Are you craving a warm bowl of comfort? Let me introduce you to the joy of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! This dish not only bursts with rich flavors but also brings warmth to chilly days. With simple, fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil, you can create a delicious meal that’s easy and satisfying. Ready to dive into a recipe that warms your heart and soul? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Needed
– 3 lbs ripe tomatoes, quartered
– 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
– 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
– Fresh basil leaves
Fresh ingredients make this soup shine. Ripe tomatoes are the star. Their sweetness adds depth. Choose firm, red tomatoes for the best flavor. The large onion brings a nice balance. Roasting it softens its bite and adds sweetness. Garlic, when roasted, becomes creamy and mild. Toss in fresh basil for a fragrant touch.
Pantry Staples
– Olive oil
– Salt
– Pepper
– Sugar
Pantry staples are key to this dish. Olive oil helps to caramelize the veggies. It also adds richness to the soup. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors, making them pop. A bit of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. These staples are simple but essential.
Optional Add-Ins
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– ½ cup heavy cream
Optional add-ins can elevate the soup. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy depth. It brings a complex flavor that impresses. Heavy cream makes the soup rich and velvety. Adding cream is great if you enjoy a creamy texture. Experiment with these to find your perfect bowl.
For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions provided.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Vegetables
To start, you need fresh tomatoes and onion. I like to use ripe tomatoes for the best taste. Quarter them and place them on a baking sheet. Next, peel the onion and quarter that too. Toss those on the sheet as well.
Now, we have garlic. I keep the garlic unpeeled. Just place the cloves in between the tomatoes and onion. This method keeps the garlic sweet and mild when we roast it.
Roasting Process
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat allows the vegetables to caramelize well. Roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic for 30 to 35 minutes. You want them soft and a little browned. This adds great flavor to your soup.
Blending and Cooking
After roasting, let the vegetables cool a bit. Squeeze the garlic out of its skin into a blender. Add the roasted tomatoes and onion. Pour in the vegetable broth and blend until smooth. If you want a chunkier soup, blend a bit less.
Next, pour the blended mixture into a pot. Heat it on medium. Now, add fresh basil and balsamic vinegar if you want a deeper taste. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. This time helps all the flavors mix well.
If you like a creamier soup, add heavy cream in the last few minutes. Make sure to stir well. Lastly, taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. You’ll find that this roasted tomato basil soup is a warm hug in a bowl. For the full recipe, check back in the ingredients section.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Flavor
To make the best roasted tomato basil soup, you need to balance the flavors. Tomatoes can be acidic, so I often add a teaspoon of sugar. This helps to calm that sharp taste. If you want deep flavor, try a splash of balsamic vinegar. It adds a nice touch!
For creaminess, you can stir in heavy cream at the end. This gives the soup a rich texture. If you want a lighter version, skip the cream. The soup still tastes great!
Recommended Cooking Techniques
Roasting your veggies is key to great flavor. I like to roast tomatoes and onions until they are soft and caramelized. This brings out their natural sweetness. Spread them out on a baking sheet and don’t crowd them. This way, they roast evenly.
When it comes to blending, you can use either a blender or a food processor. A blender makes the soup silky smooth. If you prefer some chunks, use a food processor. Blend just a little, and you’ll have a heartier soup!
Presentation Ideas
Garnishing your soup makes it look fancy. I love adding a fresh basil sprig on top. A drizzle of olive oil also adds a nice shine.
For a complete meal, serve the soup with crusty bread or homemade croutons. The crunch adds a nice contrast to the smooth soup. You can find the Full Recipe above to guide you in making this delicious dish!
Variations
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Adaptations
You can easily make roasted tomato basil soup gluten-free. Just check your broth. Most vegetable broths are gluten-free. Choose one that states it clearly on the label.
For dairy-free options, skip the heavy cream. Instead, use coconut milk for a creamy touch. Almond or oat milk also works, but they change the flavor. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste.
Adding Protein
Adding beans or lentils makes the soup heartier. White beans blend well into the soup. They add protein without changing the taste much. If you like lentils, use cooked green or brown lentils. Stir them in just before serving for added texture and nutrition.
Flavorful Spice Additions
You can add herbs and spices for more flavor. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Thyme or oregano pairs well with tomato. Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish. Experiment with your favorite spices to find the best mix.
For the full recipe, check the main article.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftover soup, let it cool first. Pour the soup into a clean, airtight container. Seal it tightly to keep out air. Place it in the fridge right away. This helps keep it fresh. Use the soup within 3 to 5 days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze roasted tomato basil soup for later. Start by letting the soup cool down completely. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Label the bags with the date. This makes it easy to track. When you want to eat it, take it out of the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove, stirring often until hot.
Shelf Life
Roasted tomato basil soup lasts well in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. However, for the best taste, eat it within 1 to 2 months. Enjoy it while it’s fresh! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of tomato basil soup?
Tomato basil soup has many health benefits. It is low in calories and rich in vitamins. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, which helps your immune system. They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This helps protect your cells from damage. Basil adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties. The soup also provides hydration, thanks to its high water content.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones. Canned tomatoes are often picked at their peak ripeness. They can be just as tasty and save time. However, fresh tomatoes have a brighter flavor. Canned tomatoes may have added salt or preservatives, so check the label. For the best taste, choose whole canned tomatoes for your soup.
How do I make my soup thicker?
There are several ways to thicken your soup. You can blend it less to keep some chunks. Adding a bit of heavy cream makes it creamy and rich. You can also stir in some cooked rice or lentils. Another option is to simmer the soup longer to reduce it. This concentrates the flavors and thickens the texture.
In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious roasted tomato basil soup. We discussed the fresh ingredients you’ll need and pantry staples that enhance flavor. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, along with tips for perfecting taste and presentation. You can also adapt the soup to fit gluten-free or dairy-free diets. Finally, we covered storage tips and answered common questions about health benefits and thickness. Enjoy creating this tasty dish—it’s simple and satisfying!
