Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
A quick and nourishing roasted tomato basil soup for two, made with roasted tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fresh basil. Creamy, flavorful, and fiber-rich, it’s perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or pairing with a sandwich for a cozy meal.
Equipment
- Oven-safe baking dish (medium, for roasting)
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Medium pot (for simmering)
- Knife (for chopping)
- Cutting board
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Ingredients
- 4 medium tomatoes approx. 420 g, halved
- 4 –5 garlic cloves peeled
- ½ medium yellow onion approx. 40 g, chopped
- 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch salt
- Pinch black pepper cracked
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste double or triple concentrated
- 1 –2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 fresh basil leaves large
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Crushed red pepper optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing and halving your tomatoes. Peel the garlic cloves carefully, making sure there are no papery skins left. Chop the yellow onion into medium pieces so they roast evenly. Gather all your ingredients on a clean cutting board to ensure a smooth cooking process. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) while you prepare the vegetables.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place the tomato halves, peeled garlic cloves, and chopped onion into an oven-safe baking dish. Spread them out so each piece gets direct heat exposure. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper evenly on top. The oil will help the vegetables caramelize beautifully and enhance the flavor.
- Roast the Vegetables: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 40 minutes. Keep a close eye on the garlic—after about 25 minutes, remove the cloves to prevent burning. The tomatoes and onions should develop a deep, rich color, slightly caramelized edges, and a naturally sweet aroma. Roasting intensifies the flavors, creating a hearty soup base.
- Blend the Base: Carefully transfer the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onion into a blender. Pour in the vegetable broth and blend at high speed until smooth. Be cautious if the mixture is still hot; blend in batches if needed. This step ensures a creamy, silky texture that forms the heart of your soup.
- Simmer with Seasoning: Pour the blended mixture into a medium pot and place it over low heat. Add the tomato paste, granulated sugar, dried oregano, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine. Let the soup simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and deepen. The simmering process helps the tomato paste integrate fully, giving richness and depth to the soup.
- Add Fresh Basil: Slice or tear the basil leaves and stir them into the soup. If you prefer a uniform, green-speck-free texture, use an immersion blender to blend the basil into the soup. Fresh basil adds a fragrant herbal note and a touch of freshness that balances the roasted flavors perfectly.
- Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir to incorporate. Allow the soup to simmer for another 1–2 minutes on low heat. The cream adds a luscious texture and rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smooth, velvety soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper on top. Serve immediately while hot, ideally with a side of grilled cheese or crusty bread. Enjoy the comforting, aromatic flavors of this wholesome soup.
Notes
- Keep the tomato skins and seeds for maximum flavor and nutrients; if you prefer a smoother soup, strain or peel them after blending.
- Fresh basil is highly recommended for the best flavor. If unavailable, ½ teaspoon of dried basil can be used as a substitute.
- Exercise caution when blending hot ingredients. Allow them to cool slightly and blend in batches if doubling the recipe.
- Roasting the garlic separately prevents bitterness and adds a natural sweetness to the soup.
- Adjust the cream to suit your preference: add more for a richer soup or less for a lighter option.
