Nothing says comfort quite like a warm bowl of roasted tomato soup. This homemade version elevates a classic favorite, bringing out the natural sweetness and deep flavors of fresh tomatoes through slow roasting. Perfect for any season, it pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of crusty bread.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato Soup
Rich, Caramelized Flavor: Roasting tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and adds a wonderful depth that canned soups can’t achieve.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a gourmet-tasting soup without breaking the bank.
Easy to Make: The straightforward process ensures that even novice cooks can whip up a delicious pot with ease.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer a creamy texture or a lighter broth, this recipe can be tailored to your taste.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds ripe tomatoes (Roma or plum are ideal)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamier texture)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare for Roasting
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Vegetables
Place the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and unpeeled garlic cloves on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
3. Roast the Vegetables
Spread the vegetables out in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, stirring halfway through. The tomatoes and onions should be soft, juicy, and slightly charred around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
4. Blend the Soup Base
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the chicken or vegetable stock, dried basil, and oregano. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. For an extra silky texture, use a high-speed blender.
5. Simmer the Soup
Pour the blended mixture into a large pot and place it over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this stage. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Adjust Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For a bit of extra kick, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of cream for an elegant touch. Serve immediately with your favorite bread or sandwiches.
Tips for the Best Roasted Tomato Soup
-
Choose the Right Tomatoes: Roma or plum tomatoes are perfect due to their lower water content and higher pulp, resulting in a richer soup. Avoid using overly large tomatoes like beefsteaks, which can make the soup watery.
-
Enhance Sweetness with Garlic: Keep garlic cloves whole and unpeeled while roasting. They become sweet and mellow, adding depth without overpowering the soup.
-
Control Consistency: For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of stock or let the soup simmer longer to evaporate excess liquid. For a thinner broth, add more stock as needed.
-
Use a Quality Blender: A high-speed blender ensures the smoothest texture. If you don’t have one, an immersion blender can work, but you might need to blend in batches.
-
Strain for Extra Smoothness: For an impeccably smooth soup, pass the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before simmering.
-
Customize Your Flavor: Add roasted red peppers for a sweet twist or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.
-
Perfect Pairings: Serve with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad to complete your meal.
Storing Your Roasted Tomato Soup
Making a large batch of roasted tomato soup means you’ll have delicious leftovers ready for busy days. Here’s how to store it properly:
Refrigerating:
– Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.
– Transfer to airtight containers.
– Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
– Keep garnishes separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing:
– Let the soup cool completely.
– Pour into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace.
– Freeze for up to 3 months.
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
– Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
– Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
While Roma or plum tomatoes are preferred for their richness, you can use other varieties. Just be mindful of their water content to avoid a watery soup.
Is heavy cream necessary?
Heavy cream is optional. It adds a luxurious texture, but you can omit it or use alternatives like coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Use vegetable stock and substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or another plant-based cream.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Roasted red peppers, carrots, or celery can be added for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your roasted tomato soup experience with these delicious pairings:
-
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic combination never fails. The crispy, cheesy sandwich complements the rich soup perfectly.
-
Crusty Bread: A slice of toasted baguette or sourdough dipped in the soup makes for a simple yet satisfying meal.
-
Fresh Salads: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the soup.
-
Herbed Yogurt: A dollop of herbed yogurt or sour cream adds a creamy contrast to each spoonful.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
Roasted tomato soup is a versatile and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. By roasting the tomatoes and aromatics, you unlock a depth of flavor that elevates this simple dish into something truly special. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it for a casual lunch, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Feel free to experiment with the recipe, adding your favorite herbs and spices to make it uniquely yours. With its rich, smoky taste and smooth texture, this roasted tomato soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Enjoy!
Roasted Tomato Soup
This roasted tomato soup is so much better than store-bought! It has flavors of garlic, oregano, and basil. The addition of heavy cream makes it a true delight.
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and garlic cloves on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 40-45 minutes. The tomatoes and onions should be soft, juicy, and slightly charred. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the chicken or vegetable stock. Add the dried basil and oregano. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Pour the blended soup into a large pot. Place it over medium heat. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally. If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a richer flavor and texture.
- Taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Add additional salt and pepper.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of cream if desired. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
