Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Indulge in a bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! This comforting and flavorful soup is perfect for chilly days or as a delicious starter for any meal. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, while fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful roasted tomato basil soup:

For the Soup

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened, halved)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth of flavor)

For Serving (optional)

• Crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches
• Heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for drizzling)

Timing

Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this delicious soup:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Tomatoes: Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up. Add the diced onion and minced garlic around the tomatoes.
3. Season: Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized.

Step 2: Blend the Soup

1. Transfer to Pot: Remove the roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic from the oven and transfer them to a large pot.
2. Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and add the sugar (if using) and balsamic vinegar (if using).
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

1. Add Basil: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional minute.
2. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Be careful with hot liquids!

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil. Drizzle with heavy cream or Greek yogurt if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	150
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	400mg
Total Carbohydrates	20g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Sugars	6g
Protein	3g

Tips for Success

To ensure your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of the soup heavily depends on the quality of the tomatoes, so use the ripest ones you can find.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth until desired consistency is reached.
• Add Spice: For a kick of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect as a starter or paired with a sandwich, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes! You can use canned whole tomatoes (about 2 cans) if fresh tomatoes are not available. Just skip the roasting step and combine everything in the pot.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth and omit any dairy toppings.

How can I make this soup creamier?

For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after blending.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

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Ingredients

• For the Soup
• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened, halved)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• For Serving (optional)
• Crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches
• Heavy cream or Greek yogurt (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Tomatoes: Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up. Add the diced onion and minced garlic around the tomatoes.
3. Season: Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized.

Step 2: Blend the Soup

1. Transfer to Pot: Remove the roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic from the oven and transfer them to a large pot.
2. Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and add the sugar (if using) and balsamic vinegar (if using).
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

1. Add Basil: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cook for an additional minute.
2. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Be careful with hot liquids!

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
2. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil. Drizzle with heavy cream or Greek yogurt if desired.