Roasted tomato basil soup is a beloved comfort food, cherished for its rich flavors and creamy texture. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness of roasted Roma tomatoes combined with the aromatic freshness of basil. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor, creating a depth that is further enhanced by sautéed onions and garlic. A touch of heavy cream adds a luxurious, velvety finish to the soup. This classic dish, sourced from the culinary blog “How to Feed a Loon,” is perfect for cozy evenings and pairs wonderfully with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients Overview

The key to a flavorful roasted tomato basil soup lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh Roma tomatoes are essential for their sweetness and robust flavor, which intensifies when roasted. Fresh basil brings a fragrant, herbal note that complements the tomatoes perfectly. Heavy cream adds a rich, velvety texture, making the soup irresistibly smooth and creamy. Using fresh ingredients not only enhances the taste but also ensures the nutritional benefits of the soup, providing a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Detailed Ingredients List

To create a delicious roasted tomato basil soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Roma tomatoes: 10-12, halved
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces)
• Chicken stock: 3 cups (substitute with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
• Fresh basil: 1 cup, chopped
• Heavy cream: 1 cup

Possible substitutions:

• Vegetable stock for chicken stock to make it vegetarian.
• Coconut milk or cashew cream as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.

Preparing the Tomatoes

Steps to Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut Roma tomatoes in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Tips for Choosing the Best Tomatoes

• Look for firm, ripe Roma tomatoes with a deep red color.
• Avoid tomatoes with blemishes or soft spots.

Expert Tips on Roasting

• For even roasting, make sure the tomatoes are of similar size.
• Use a high-quality olive oil to enhance the flavor.
• For added depth, sprinkle a pinch of sugar on the tomatoes before roasting to balance the acidity.

Cooking the Base

Sautéing Onions and Garlic

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add one large chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Adding Herbs and Crushed Tomatoes

1. Stir in 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, or use fresh herbs if available.
3. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combining and Simmering

Adding Roasted Tomatoes and Stock

1. Transfer the roasted tomatoes into the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
2. Pour in 3 cups of chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version).

Simmering Instructions

1. Stir to combine all ingredients.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Blending the Soup

Using an Immersion Blender vs. a Regular Blender

• Immersion Blender: Directly blend the soup in the pot, which is convenient and reduces cleanup. Blend until you reach the desired consistency.
• Regular Blender: Work in batches to avoid overfilling. Blend each batch until smooth and return to the pot.

Tips for Achieving the Desired Consistency

• For a chunkier texture, blend only part of the soup.
• For a smoother soup, blend thoroughly and strain if needed.
• Adjust thickness by adding more stock or cream as desired.

Adding the Cream

How to Incorporate Cream for a Silky Texture

1. After blending the soup, return it to the pot and set it over low heat.
2. Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, ensuring it is well incorporated.
3. Continue to stir gently to maintain a smooth texture and prevent curdling.

Alternatives to Heavy Cream

• Coconut Milk: Provides a dairy-free option with a subtle coconut flavor.
• Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create a creamy, vegan substitute.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang; stir in off the heat to prevent curdling.

Serving Suggestions

Best Accompaniments

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic pairing, perfect for dipping.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough complements the soup’s texture.
• Salads: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.

Presentation Tips

• Garnishes: Add a swirl of heavy cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil on top.
• Serving Bowls: Use rustic bowls for a cozy, homestyle feel.
• Cheese Croutons: Top the soup with homemade cheese croutons for added crunch.
• Table Setting: Serve with a side of grated Parmesan and a pepper grinder for guests to add extra flavor to their taste.

Storing and Reheating

How to Store Leftovers

1. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature.
2. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Instructions

1. Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
2. Pour into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
3. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Expert Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Over-roasting Tomatoes: Ensure tomatoes are roasted until just caramelized to avoid bitterness.
2. Blending Hot Soup: If using a regular blender, cool the soup slightly to prevent splattering.
3. Curdling Cream: Add cream slowly over low heat to prevent it from curdling.

Enhancing the Flavor

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and thyme offer a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs.
2. Add a Splash of Balsamic Vinegar: This enhances the tomato’s sweetness and adds depth.
3. Roast Garlic with Tomatoes: For a richer, more complex flavor, roast the garlic alongside the tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I Use Only Canned Tomatoes?

Yes, you can use only canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted for added flavor. You might need to adjust the seasoning to taste, as canned tomatoes can be slightly more acidic.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. For instance, use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead of 3 tablespoons of fresh basil.

How to Make Croutons for the Soup?

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut stale bread into cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.
4. Optional: Add grated Parmesan or garlic powder for extra flavor.

How Long Does the Soup Keep?

The soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.

Conclusion

Roasted tomato basil soup offers a rich, comforting blend of roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy texture, making it a perfect dish for any season. Its depth of flavor and velvety consistency cater to both simple weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings. By following this detailed recipe, you can easily recreate a restaurant-quality soup in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice, the simplicity and robustness of this soup make it a must-try. Embrace the warmth and satisfaction it brings, and enjoy sharing it with loved ones.

• Save

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

---

• Author: Christine

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This roasted tomato basil soup blends the rich, sweet flavors of roasted Roma tomatoes with the fresh, aromatic essence of basil. The addition of sautéed onions, garlic, and a touch of heavy cream creates a velvety texture, making it a perfect comfort food. This recipe from “How to Feed a Loon” is easy to follow and results in a soup that is both hearty and elegant.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 9 Roma tomatoes sliced lengthwise
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme minced
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 28 oz. can San Marzano tomatoes crushed
• 1 cup basil fresh, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2/3 cup heavy cream

---

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Spread tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
• Roast tomatoes for 1 hour. Remove from oven and set aside.
• Heat 2 tbsp oil, or butter, in a large pot (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
• Add onion, and saute for about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sauté for another minute.
• Add crushed tomatoes, basil, and sugar to the pot. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Add the stock and the roasted tomatoes into the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring every now and then.
• Use an immersion blender to purée the soup, or very carefully transfer to a blender or food processor to purée. This would most likely need to be done in a couple batches. Return the soup to the pot.
• Stir in the cream.
• To make the mini croutons: Cut a few small pieces of bread in small cubes, add a little oil, diced garlic and basil. Bake at 400 for about 7 minutes, these make wonderful croutons!
• Add the croutons to the top of the served soup. Serve at once!

Notes

• Roasted Tomatoes: Enhances sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a vibrant, herbal note.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a rich, smooth finish.
• Substitutions: Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with grilled cheese or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding roasted garlic or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.