Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Experience the ultimate in comfort with this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. A luxurious, restaurant-style Italian soup featuring oven-roasted tomatoes, sweet onions, garlic, and fresh basil, blended into a silky, aromatic bowl that warms the soul with every spoonful.

Add to Pinterest

By roasting the ingredients before blending, we unlock a rich sweetness from the tomatoes and onions that traditional simmering cannot replicate. This method transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels like a trip to an Italian bistro.

Ingredients

• Roasted Vegetables: 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) ripe tomatoes (halved), 1 large yellow onion (quartered), 6 cloves garlic (peeled), 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
• Soup Base: 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium vegetable broth, 1/2 cup (15 g) fresh basil leaves (packed), 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for richness), 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity).
• Garnish: 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or crème fraîche (optional), fresh basil leaves, croutons or toasted bread (optional).

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the halved tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic cloves on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 35–40 minutes until caramelized and tender.

Step 2: Simmer with Broth

Transfer the roasted vegetables and all their juices into a large pot. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves, butter, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Blend and Finish

Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, or blend in batches in a countertop blender before returning to the pot. Adjust seasoning as needed. For a restaurant-style silkiness, strain the soup through a fine sieve before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best flavor, use high-quality parchment paper to prevent sticking and use an immersion blender for a seamless pureeing process. If you prefer an extra silky texture, do not skip the step of straining the soup through a fine sieve.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, omit the butter and cream or use plant-based alternatives. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For added depth, stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of tomato paste before blending.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup hot, drizzled with a touch of heavy cream and garnished with fresh basil leaves. It pairs wonderfully with golden croutons or toasted gluten-free bread and a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a rustic Italian white wine.

Add to Pinterest

Add to Pinterest

Whether you're serving this as an elegant starter or a cozy weeknight dinner, Roasted Tomato Basil Soup remains a timeless favorite. Its rich, aromatic profile and silky texture make it a dish you'll want to return to again and again.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute with two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes. Drain excess liquid and roast them with the onions and garlic for about 25-30 minutes to develop caramelized flavors.

→ How do I make this soup completely vegan?

Simply omit the butter and heavy cream, or use plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and cashew cream or coconut cream. The soup will still be rich and flavorful from the roasted vegetables.

→ Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

→ What's the best way to achieve a silky smooth texture?

Use an immersion blender for convenience, or blend in batches in a high-speed blender for the smoothest result. For ultimate silkiness, strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining seeds or skin.

→ How can I adjust the acidity if my tomatoes are too tart?

Add the optional teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity, or try a pinch of baking soda which neutralizes acid. You can also add more butter or cream to mellow the tartness naturally.

→ What are the best tomato varieties for roasting?

Roma or plum tomatoes work wonderfully as they have less water content and more flesh. Vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes also provide excellent flavor when in season. Avoid underripe tomatoes as they lack sweetness.