There’s something utterly magical about a steaming bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. This cozy classic wraps you in warmth from the very first spoonful, balancing the natural sweetness of slow-roasted tomatoes with bright, herbaceous notes of fresh basil. As you stir the velvety blend, layers of garlic, onions, and a hint of red pepper flakes build a depth of flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. Every time I dive in, I’m amazed by how simple ingredients—ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, a splash of olive oil—come together to create such a soul-soothing masterpiece. Whether you’re curled up with a good book or catching up with friends over lunch, this soup feels like a heartfelt hug in a bowl.
What makes this recipe especially friendly is its beginner-level approach. You only need about 15 minutes of active prep time before the oven and stovetop take over, leading to a total cooking time of roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes. After a brief 5-minute rest, you’ve got six generous servings, each around 350 calories—perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch. The course is straightforward: assemble your ingredients, roast those tomatoes until they caramelize, then blend everything into a smooth, fragrant concoction. And if life gets busy, you can freeze any leftovers for up to three months without losing that fresh-tasting vibrancy. Trust me, once you’ve mastered this soup, it’ll become your go-to comfort dish all year round.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building depth, aroma, and that comforting texture we all crave.
- Ripe Tomatoes
Fresh, sun-kissed tomatoes are the foundation of this soup. Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted, lending a robust tomato flavor that canned varieties alone can’t match.
- Good Olive Oil
A quality extra-virgin olive oil drizzled over the tomatoes and used for sautéing brings a fruity richness, helping to carry fat-soluble flavor molecules and creating a smooth mouthfeel.
- Kosher Salt
Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process, kosher salt enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the acidity.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Adding a subtle heat and complexity, freshly cracked black pepper offers a more vibrant spiciness than pre-ground versions.
- Yellow Onions
Sweet and mild, yellow onions form a caramelized base that complements the tomatoes. They add body and a slight sweetness after browning.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the soup with aromatic warmth and depth, building savory undertones that play beautifully against the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Unsalted Butter
A knob of butter enriches the sautéed aromatics, rounding out the edges of the flavor profile and giving the soup that irresistible silky finish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Just a pinch provides a gentle kick, lifting the tomatoes’ sweetness and adding a hint of warmth without overpowering the basil.
- Canned Plum Tomatoes
These canned tomatoes and their juices ensure consistency of flavor and texture, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season.
- Fresh Basil Leaves
Packed full of fragrant oils, fresh basil brings a bright, herbal lift that defines this soup and adds a vibrant green color.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves
Delicate thyme contributes earthy, lemony notes that layer beautifully with the basil and tomatoes.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock
A good-quality stock acts as the soup’s base liquid, carrying all the concentrated flavors and ensuring a luscious consistency.
HOW TO MAKE ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP
Let’s transform these ingredients into a comforting bowl of goodness. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with a soup that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly smooth in texture.
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat setting ensures the tomatoes roast quickly, concentrating their natural sugars and enhancing their depth of flavor.
2. Arrange the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spacing the tomatoes evenly helps them roast uniformly.
3. Roast the tomatoes for about 45 minutes until they start to caramelize at the edges and release their juices. You’ll notice a deep, roasted flavor developing as the skins blister and brown.
4. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the remaining olive oil. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even caramelization.
5. Stir in the unsalted butter, crushed red pepper flakes, canned plum tomatoes (including their juice), packed basil leaves, fresh thyme, and chicken or vegetable stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes along with any accumulated juices from the baking sheet.
6. Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. This slow simmer allows flavors to meld and your kitchen to fill with the most inviting scent.
7. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until silky smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender in batches, blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—add a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your preference. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves or a swirl of cream for an extra touch of elegance.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP
When it comes to serving, the magic is in the details. A simple garnish or a complementary side can elevate this humble soup into a memorable meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or a cozy dinner, these serving ideas will ensure each bowl looks as stunning as it tastes.
- Pair with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Use sharp cheddar or creamy Gruyère and grill until the bread is golden-brown and the cheese is perfectly melted. The crispy, buttery bread is the perfect vessel for dipping into every last drop of soup.
- Drizzle with Herb-Infused Olive Oil: Quickly warm olive oil with a few sprigs of thyme or basil leaves, then strain and drizzle over each serving. This adds an aromatic flourish and a glossy finish.
- Top with Parmesan Crisps: Bake small mounds of shredded Parmesan until they turn crisp and golden. Place a crisp on top of each bowl for a savory crunch that offsets the soup’s creamy texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Basil Pesto: A dollop of pesto adds an extra hit of basil and garlic, intensifying the herbal notes. Swirl it gently into the soup for a stunning marbled effect.
HOW TO STORE ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP
Storing your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup correctly ensures that every reheated spoonful tastes just as fresh and vibrant as the first. Whether you’re saving leftovers for lunch or prepping meals in advance, here are some tried-and-true methods to keep this comforting soup at peak flavor and texture.
- Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the soup into a sealed container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Always reheat gently over low heat to maintain its silky consistency.
- Freeze in Portion-Sized Bags: Divide the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Label and date for easy rotation—your soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat with Gentle Heat: Avoid boiling the soup when reheating; instead, warm it over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. This preserves the smooth texture and prevents separation.
- Refresh with Extra Basil: After reheating, add a few torn basil leaves or a splash of basil-infused oil to revive the bright herbal aroma that can mellow during storage.
CONCLUSION
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of culinary magic—perfect for anyone seeking a simple yet impressive dish. We’ve covered everything from slow-roasting ripe tomatoes to blending the final silky puree, with clear guidance on ingredients, steps, serving suggestions, and storage tips. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this soup brings together accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques to create something truly special. Don’t forget: you can print this article and save it for later, turning it into your go-to guide whenever those tomatoes come into season. And be sure to check out the FAQ below for answers to common questions that might pop up as you cook.
I’d love to hear how your soup turns out! Leave a comment with your thoughts, questions, or any personal twists you tried—perhaps a splash of cream or a dash of smoked paprika? Your feedback helps our cooking community grow, spark new ideas, and share the joy of homemade comfort food. If you need any guidance or run into a hiccup while making this recipe, feel free to ask. Happy cooking, and here’s to countless bowls of cozy, roasted tomato basil bliss!
Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Description
This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup bursts with the sweetness of slow-roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. It's the perfect blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Arrange the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Roast the tomatoes in the oven for about 45 minutes until they start to caramelize and gain a deep flavor.
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In a large pot over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions start to brown, about 10 minutes.
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Stir in the butter, red pepper flakes, canned plum tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken or vegetable stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the juices from the baking sheet.
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Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.
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Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return the soup to the pot.
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Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with a garnish of fresh basil leaves or a swirl of cream if desired.
Note
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Fresh basil is essential; it provides a vibrant, fragrant aroma.
- This soup pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich.
- You can freeze any leftovers for up to 3 months.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
