As the summer sun begins to warm the air, my thoughts inevitably drift to the rich, vibrant flavors of home-cooked meals. This homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a heartfelt tribute to those lazy afternoons spent in the kitchen, where the aroma of sweet, roasted tomatoes and fragrant basil melds into a comforting embrace. The moment I take that first spoonful, I am transported back to the garden bounty, where fresh tomatoes glisten with the promise of deliciousness.
You know that feeling when the world gets a bit chaotic and you simply crave something soothing yet satisfying? This soup is the answer! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a note of gratitude to simple ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece of velvety richness. Perfect both for cozy dinners or quick lunches, this vegetarian delight infuses every bite with a burst of nutrients and flavor, sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Join me as we explore how to whip up this comforting bowl of summer goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup so special?
Homemade Comfort: This soup is made from scratch, letting you control every ingredient for maximum flavor.
Rich Flavor: The combination of roasted tomatoes and aromatic basil creates a savory depth that’s hard to resist.
Velvety Texture: With a creamy finish, every spoonful feels indulgent, perfect for any cozy occasion.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a starter, main course, or with crusty bread for dipping—perfect for any meal!
Quick & Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep, this recipe is ideal for busy nights when comfort is a must!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Ingredients
• Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting delight!
For the Soup
- Fresh Tomatoes – Choose vibrant varieties like cherry, roma, or heirloom for a rich base flavor.
- Garlic – Whole cloves roast beautifully, adding aromatic depth to your soup.
- Olive Oil – Ideal for roasting, extra virgin will lend a lovely richness.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing the delicious flavors; adjust to your taste!
- Unsalted Butter – Adds a creaminess but can be swapped for olive oil if you prefer dairy-free.
- Yellow Onions – Sweet and aromatic; slice them thin to ensure they cook evenly.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth – Use low-sodium broth to control the soup’s overall saltiness and enhance flavor.
- Fresh Basil – A generous amount imparts a fragrant, fresh taste; key to the classic roasted tomato basil soup.
- Heavy Cream – Provides a luxurious richness, but feel free to replace it with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread halved fresh tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring the tomatoes are skin-side down for optimal roasting.
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Roast: Roast in the oven for about 35-40 minutes until the tomatoes are beautifully caramelized and fragrant. You’ll love the scent filling your kitchen!
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Sauté Onions: In a large stock pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and translucent, adding a sweet aroma to your base.
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Combine: Toss the roasted tomatoes and garlic into the pot along with any juices from the baking sheet. Add 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Blend: Stir in the fragrant fresh basil and let it steep for 30 seconds. Then, using an immersion blender, puree the mixture until perfectly smooth and creamy—just the texture you want!
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Finish: Stir in heavy cream for an indulgent richness. If the soup is too thick, adjust its consistency by adding more broth. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper before serving!
Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Savoring each spoonful of this comforting soup can be even more delightful when paired with the right accompaniments.
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Crusty Bread: Enjoy warm, crusty bread for dipping, which adds satisfying texture and absorbs the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.
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Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The classic pairing with tomato soup; the gooey melted cheese contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup for a nostalgic treat.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A light, vibrant salad with greens and seasonal vegetables enhances the meal with freshness, balancing the soup’s richness.
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Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: These buttery, cheesy delights offer a great way to soak up every last bit of that flavorful soup!
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Herbed Quinoa: Nutty quinoa tossed with herbs adds an earthy richness to your meal, providing a wholesome side that packs a nutritious punch.
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Olive Tapenade Crostini: The briny undertones from the tapenade create a striking contrast with the soup, adding a gourmet touch to your dinner experience.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: This refreshing drink cleanses your palate perfectly between bites, elevating your dining experience with a hint of zest.
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Dark Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note with luscious dark chocolate mousse, whose richness provides a delightful counterpoint to the soup.
Embrace these pairings for a complete and comforting meal that showcases your roasted tomato basil soup beautifully!
Helpful Tricks for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
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Select Ripe Tomatoes: Use only ripe, fresh tomatoes for a vibrant base flavor in your roasted tomato basil soup. Overripe or underripe can alter the taste.
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Monitor Roasting Time: Keep an eye on your tomatoes while roasting. Allowing them to caramelize without burning will bring out their natural sweetness.
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Blend Smoothly: An immersion blender is your best friend in achieving a silky-smooth consistency without the hassle of transferring hot soup.
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Taste and Adjust: Always taste after adding broth and cream; fresh ingredients can vary. Adjust seasoning gradually to get the perfect balance.
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Experiment with Aromatics: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding sautéed shallots or leeks along with onions as a delicious twist to your roasted tomato basil soup.
How to Store and Freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Room Temperature: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before any storage to prevent condensation in containers.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: This roasted tomato basil soup can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand while freezing.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove; add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture if needed.
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Variations
Feel free to elevate your roasted tomato basil soup recipe with these delightful twists and substitutions!
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Tomato Medley: Use a mix of heirloom, cherry, and roma tomatoes for a deeper flavor profile that pops with color.
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Herb Infusion: Swap basil with fresh thyme or oregano for a fragrant complexity that’ll surprise your taste buds.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing onions for a warm, inviting heat that lingers pleasantly.
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Creamy Alternative: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, adding a hint of tropical sweetness.
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Roasted Red Peppers: Blend in roasted red peppers for a smoky twist that pairs beautifully with the fresh tomatoes.
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Savory Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar at the end for a tangy depth that enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
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Nutty Richness: Garnish with toasted pine nuts or chopped hazelnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts delightfully with the soup’s creaminess.
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Cheese Lovers: Add freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese as a topping for a savory finish that complements the soup perfectly.
These enjoyable variations will take your beloved roasted tomato basil soup to a new level, making each bowl a unique experience!
Make Ahead Options
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep and can save you valuable time during busy weeknights! To get ahead, you can roast the tomatoes and garlic up to 24 hours in advance; simply allow them to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can slice the onions and keep them ready in the fridge for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, just sauté the onions, combine them with the prepped roasted tomatoes and garlic, and proceed with the remaining steps. For optimal flavor and texture, remember to blend the soup just before serving, ensuring every bowl is just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe FAQs
What type of tomatoes should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor in your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, I recommend using ripe, seasonal tomatoes. Varieties like cherry, plum, or heirloom offer a delightful sweetness. Look for firm tomatoes with vibrant colors—avoid any with dark spots or excessive blemishes, as these can affect the taste.
How should I store leftover soup?
Very simply! Once your delicious soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re reheating, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s heated through. Don’t forget to give it a gentle stir to redistribute flavors!
Can I freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, and if so, how?
Absolutely, freezing is a fantastic way to preserve your soup! Once it has cooled completely, pour it into airtight containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal tightly and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. If it seems too thick, just add a splash of broth!
What if my soup turns out too thick or too thin during cooking?
Not a problem at all! If your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is too thick, simply mix in additional broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. Remember, adjusting seasoning after altering consistency is key—taste as you go!
Are there any dietary considerations for this soup?
Sure thing! This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is inherently vegetarian and gluten-free if you avoid adding any wheat-based bread for serving. If you have dairy allergies, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or omit it altogether for a lighter version. Always check ingredient labels, especially for broth, to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How can I enhance the flavor of my soup further?
Absolutely, flavor enhancement is always welcome! You might consider adding sautéed leeks or shallots when cooking your onions for a more complex taste. Spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the soup’s flavor profile wonderfully. Just remember, start small and add more to taste as you go!
Delicious Roasted Tomato Basil Soup for Ultimate Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread halved fresh tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring the tomatoes are skin-side down for optimal roasting.
- Roast in the oven for about 35-40 minutes until the tomatoes are beautifully caramelized and fragrant.
- In a large stock pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Toss the roasted tomatoes and garlic into the pot along with any juices from the baking sheet. Add 3 cups of broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh basil and let it steep for 30 seconds. Then, using an immersion blender, puree the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in heavy cream for richness. If too thick, adjust consistency with more broth. Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving.