Savor the last of the summer's crop with this roasted tomato basil soup. Roasting enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes, while fresh basil adds a touch of herbal freshness. This soup is a celebration of these two ingredients coming together in harmony.
Most ingredients for this recipe are readily available in any supermarket. However, fresh basil can sometimes be more difficult to find. It's often tucked away in the fresh produce section. Its unique aroma and flavor are crucial to this soup, so it's worth seeking out. If it's unavailable, fresh flat-leaf parsley can be used as a substitute, but the flavor profile will change.
Ingredients for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roma tomatoes: A meaty tomato that's great for cooking and roasting.
Cherry tomatoes: Small and sweet, these add a different layer of tomato flavor.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the tomatoes and for sautéing.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.
Garlic cloves: Adds a punch of flavor.
Yellow onions: Adds a base flavor for the soup.
Fresh basil leaves: Gives the soup a fresh, herbal touch.
Vegetable broth: Forms the liquid base of the soup.
Cheese croutons: Adds a crunchy texture and cheesy flavor.
One reader, Irina Veal says:
This roasted tomato basil soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the aroma while it's cooking is simply divine. The roasted tomatoes and fresh basil create a rich, comforting soup that's perfect for any occasion. It's a definite must-try for all soup lovers!
Techniques Required for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Roasting the tomatoes and onions: This involves tossing the tomatoes and onions with olive oil, seasoning them with salt and pepper, and roasting them in the oven until they are golden and caramelized. This step is crucial for developing the rich, deep flavors of the soup.
Blending the soup: After simmering the roasted tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients, the soup needs to be blended to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This can be done using an immersion blender or in small batches in a traditional blender.
Making grilled cheese croutons: To make the grilled cheese croutons, you'll need to prepare small grilled cheese sandwiches and then cut them into bite-sized cubes. These croutons add a delicious and comforting twist to the classic tomato basil soup.
How To Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
This tomato basil soup is a flavorful combination of roasted tomatoes and garlic! It’s a delectably smooth soup simmered for a rich and luscious side.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2¼lbsRoma tomatoes,halved lengthwise
- 1¼lbscherry tomatoes
- 4½tbspolive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8garlic cloves,peeled, left whole
- 2small yellow onions,sliced just under ½-inch thick
- 2cupsfresh basil leaves,lightly packed
- 5cupsvegetable broth,low sodium
- cheese croutons,grilled, optional
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Place the tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, then toss them with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, placing the Roma halves cut side upright.
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Put the onion slices and garlic on a rimmed half sheet, then toss brush with remaining 1½ tablespoons olive oil on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Place the baking sheet with tomatoes and half sheet with onions in the oven side by side. Roast the onions for 30 to 35 minutes until edges are golden, and the tomatoes for 40 to 45 minutes until golden.
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Peel away any burnt papery layers of onions and pull the peels from the tomatoes.
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Pour the onions and tomatoes into a large pot. Add 4 cups vegetable of broth and the basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 20 minutes, adding an additional 1 cup vegetable broth to thin as desired.
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Blend the soup with an immersion blender or in small batches in a blender.
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Serve warm topped with grilled cheese croutons, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 159.85kcal
- Fat: 10.87g
- Saturated Fat: 1.52g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.54g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.35g
- Carbohydrates: 15.25g
- Fiber: 4.24g
- Sugar: 8.12g
- Protein: 3.30g
- Sodium: 1164.41mg
- Calcium: 68.02mg
- Potassium: 730.32mg
- Iron: 1.34mg
- Vitamin A: 139.22µg
- Vitamin C: 41.19mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing the Flavor of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
When roasting the tomatoes and onions, it's important to keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. The key to a good roast is to achieve a golden color, which brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. If they start to darken too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature slightly and extend the cooking time. This will ensure that they roast evenly without burning. Also, when blending the soup, be sure to do it in batches if using a standard blender. Overfilling can cause the hot soup to splatter and potentially cause burns. Always secure the lid tightly and start on a low speed, gradually increasing as the soup becomes smoother.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delicious Soup
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and herbs in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Use a large pot to cook the soup in one go, minimizing the need for multiple dishes and reducing cleanup time.
Blender shortcuts: Invest in an immersion blender for quick and easy blending directly in the pot, eliminating the need to transfer hot soup to a traditional blender.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
roma tomatoes - Substitute with vine-ripened tomatoes: Vine-ripened tomatoes have a similar sweet and tangy flavor, making them a suitable substitute for roma tomatoes in the soup.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are small and sweet, similar to cherry tomatoes, making them a suitable substitute in the recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil in the recipe.
garlic cloves - Substitute with roasted garlic: Roasted garlic can be used as a substitute for raw garlic to add a milder, sweeter flavor to the soup.
yellow onions - Substitute with sweet onions: Sweet onions have a milder flavor and can be used as a substitute for yellow onions in the recipe.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for basil to add a fresh herb flavor to the soup.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for vegetable broth to add a savory depth of flavor to the soup.
Best Way to Present This Comforting Soup
Elevate the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil: A carefully executed drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil will not only enhance the flavor but also add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves: Place a few vibrant, whole basil leaves on top of the soup just before serving. This will add a pop of color and a fresh aroma, signaling the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Incorporate a swirl of balsamic glaze: Create an artistic swirl of balsamic glaze on the surface of the soup. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also introduces a visually appealing element to the dish.
Serve in porcelain bowls: Opt for classic, elegant porcelain bowls to serve the soup. The smooth, white surface of the bowls will provide a beautiful backdrop for the vibrant colors of the soup and garnishes.
Accompany with artisanal bread: Serve the soup with a side of warm, crusty artisanal bread. This not only complements the flavors of the soup but also adds a rustic, comforting element to the overall presentation.
Use edible flowers as a delicate garnish: Introduce a touch of whimsy and sophistication by delicately placing edible flowers on top of the soup. This unexpected element will captivate the senses and elevate the visual appeal of the dish.
Present with cheese crisps: Accompany the soup with delicate, lacy cheese crisps. These intricately designed crisps will add a textural contrast and a gourmet touch to the overall presentation.
Incorporate a sprinkle of microgreens: A light, artful sprinkle of microgreens on top of the soup will introduce a burst of freshness and a delicate, refined touch to the dish.
Serve in elegant soup tureens: For a sophisticated presentation, consider serving the soup in elegant, lidded soup tureens. This adds an element of grandeur and allows for a dramatic reveal at the table.
Essential Tools for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: You will need an oven to roast the tomatoes, garlic, and onions for the soup.
- Rimmed baking sheet: This will be used to roast the tomatoes and onions in the oven.
- Immersion blender: This tool will be used to blend the soup to a smooth consistency.
- Blender: If you don't have an immersion blender, a regular blender can be used to blend the soup in small batches.
- Large pot: A large pot is necessary to simmer the soup with the roasted tomatoes, onions, and other ingredients.
- Brush: You will need a brush to coat the onions and garlic with olive oil before roasting.
- Grill: You will need a grill to make the cheese croutons for serving with the soup.
How To Store and Freeze Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Allow the roasted tomato basil soup to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- To freeze the soup for longer storage:
- Divide the cooled soup into portion-sized freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for easier storage and quicker thawing.
- The frozen tomato basil soup will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.
- To reheat the refrigerated or frozen soup:
- If frozen, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or place the container in a bowl of cold water for faster thawing.
- Transfer the soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a small amount of vegetable broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Enjoy your reheated roasted tomato basil soup topped with fresh basil leaves and cheese croutons for added flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and prevent the soup from burning or becoming too thick.
If the soup has thickened in the refrigerator, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out while reheating. Stir well to incorporate the added liquid and achieve a smooth consistency.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the flavors to deteriorate.
To enhance the flavor of the reheated soup, consider adding a fresh sprinkle of basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving. This will brighten up the taste and aroma of the soup.
If you have any leftover cheese croutons, you can reheat them separately in the oven or toaster oven until crispy, then add them to the soup just before serving for a delightful crunch.
For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream while reheating the soup. This will add richness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only a portion of the reheated soup and then mix it back in with the unblended portion. This will create a more rustic texture while still maintaining some of the smooth, creamy base.
Random Fact About Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
The roasted tomato basil soup recipe is a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes. Lycopene has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Additionally, basil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is a good source of vitamin K and A. Enjoy the nutritious benefits of this delicious soup!
Is Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This roasted tomato basil soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as tomatoes, onions, and vegetable broth, are generally affordable and readily available. The recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for the entire meal would be around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its simplicity, delicious flavors, and economical nature.
Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Healthy?
This roasted tomato basil soup recipe is relatively healthy, as it primarily consists of nutritious ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while garlic and onions provide beneficial compounds like allicin and quercetin. The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish. However, the recipe's healthiness can be further enhanced with a few modifications.
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the recipe to lower the overall calorie and fat content
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt intake
- Incorporate additional vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to increase the nutrient density of the soup
- Replace the cheese croutons with whole-grain croutons or opt for a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to reduce the saturated fat content
- Consider adding a source of lean protein, such as cannellini beans or shredded chicken, to make the soup more satiating and balanced
Editor's Thoughts on This Flavorful Tomato Basil Soup
The roasted tomato basil soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The roasting process intensifies the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions, while the addition of fresh basil adds a fragrant and herbaceous note. The use of vegetable broth creates a rich and comforting base, and the cheese croutons add a delightful crunch and savory finish. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of rustic charm and gourmet appeal, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy meal.
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Why trust this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe:
This roasted tomato basil soup recipe is a trusted favorite among tomato enthusiasts. The combination of fresh basil and roasted tomatoes creates a rich and flavorful base. The use of high-quality olive oil and vegetable broth ensures a wholesome and satisfying soup. The addition of garlic and onions adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The inclusion of cheese croutons as a topping provides a delightful crunch and a touch of indulgence. This recipe has been carefully crafted to deliver a comforting and delicious soup experience.
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