Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Experience the ultimate comfort of a luxurious, restaurant-style Italian soup from the comfort of your own kitchen. This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup features the deep, caramelized flavors of oven-roasted tomatoes, sweet onions, and garlic, all blended together with fresh basil into a silky, aromatic masterpiece that is as soothing as it is delicious.

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The secret to this soup's incredible depth lies in the patience of roasting. As the tomatoes and onions soften and brown in the oven, they develop a concentrated flavor that provides a rich foundation for the fresh basil and vegetable broth to shine.

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for richness)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional garnish)
• Fresh basil leaves (garnish)
• Croutons or toasted bread (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Arrange the halved tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 3

Roast for 35–40 minutes, until the tomatoes are caramelized and the onions are tender.

Step 4

Transfer the roasted vegetables and any juices to a large pot. Add vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 5

Stir in the fresh basil leaves, butter, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 6

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender, then return to the pot.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a silkier texture, strain the soup through a fine sieve.

Step 8

Serve hot, drizzled with cream and garnished with fresh basil leaves and croutons or toasted bread if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the simmering stage for a gentle heat. For extra depth of flavor, you can also stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of tomato paste before blending the ingredients.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To create a vegan version of this soup, simply omit the butter and heavy cream or replace them with your favorite plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or vegan butter.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup piping hot in rustic bowls. It pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a rustic Italian white wine. For the perfect texture contrast, serve with crunchy croutons or warm, toasted bread.

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This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Whether served as a light lunch or an elegant starter, its vibrant color and rich herbal notes are sure to make it a household favorite.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, simply omit the butter and cream, or substitute with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free version.

→ What type of tomatoes work best?

Ripe, in-season tomatoes deliver the best flavor. Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal for their meaty texture and lower water content, but any ripe variety will work beautifully when roasted.

→ How do I store leftover soup?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to adjust consistency.

→ Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh roasted tomatoes provide superior flavor and caramelization, you can use high-quality canned whole tomatoes in a pinch. Drain them well and roast with the other vegetables for best results.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a fresh arugula salad. For wine pairing, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a rustic Italian white wine.

→ How can I add more depth to the flavor?

Add a splash of balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of tomato paste before blending, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Fresh thyme or oregano also complement the basil beautifully.