Hearty Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: A Warm & Creamy Delight 🍅🌿✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of tomato basil soup, this roasted tomato soup recipe is the perfect choice. Rich, flavorful, and boasts a velvety texture, this creamy tomato basil soup combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with aromatic fresh basil, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for cozy nights or a quick lunch, this soup can be whipped up in under an hour and is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal ingredients.
2. Ingredients for This Delicious Tomato Basil Soup
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes (cherry or heirloom work beautifully)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan version
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
For added flavor, consider garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil.
3. How to Make Hearty Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Preparation of the Roasted Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until slightly caramelized and fragrant.
Cooking the Aromatics
While the tomatoes are roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Blending the Soup
Once the tomatoes are roasted, transfer them to a blender along with a handful of basil leaves. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of broth if needed. Pour the blended mixture into the pot with the sautéed aromatics.
Final Cooking Steps
Stir in the remaining broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add heavy cream or coconut cream and cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. For a smoother texture, pass the soup through a fine mesh sieve or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
4. Tips for Achieving the Best Tomato Basil Soup
- Use ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor. If tomatoes aren’t in season, canned fire-roasted tomatoes work well.
- Fresh basil is essential; add it at the end of cooking to preserve its aroma.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity.
5. How to Store and Reheat Creamy Tomato Basil
Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
6. Serving Suggestions for this Flavorful Basil Soup
- Serve hot with a crusty baguette or toasted garlic bread. Check out our favorite soup recipes for more ideas.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra richness.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Basil Soup
Can I make this vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. The flavor remains luscious and creamy without dairy.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes are a great alternative and save time. Use about 2 cans (14 oz each).
How long does this tomato basil soup take to prepare?
Preparation and cooking generally take around 40-50 minutes, making it a quick yet flavorful meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. It’s perfect for batch cooking and reheating.
8. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for roasting tomatoes to perfection with even heat distribution, saving time and effort.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering the soup without sticking or burning.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer — Great for versatile cooking, including roasting tomatoes with precision.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer — Ideal for blending ingredients smoothly if you prefer a pureed soup.
Investing in high-quality kitchen tools can greatly enhance your cooking experience, making the process more enjoyable and efficient.
9. Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hot tomato basil soup on a chilly day. This roasted tomato soup recipe brings out the natural sweetness of tomatoes, complemented by fresh basil and creamy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this creamy tomato basil dish ticks all the boxes. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of homemade, flavorful soup that warms your soul!
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Hearty Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
A warm, flavorful soup made from roasted fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, blended to perfection and topped with herbs and optional cream for richness.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 6 large ripe tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tomato halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a blender, combine roasted tomatoes, garlic, basil, and remaining olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- If desired, add heavy cream to the soup and blend again until creamy.
- Heat the soup in a pot over medium heat for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, skip the heavy cream or use coconut milk.
- Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Roasting, Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg