Roasted Garden Tomato Basil Soup is a timeless classic that brings together the rich flavors of fresh garden tomatoes and aromatic basil. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a sophisticated starter for your next dinner party. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for the whole family. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, creating a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and discover why roasted tomatoes taste better and how you can make this soup a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 3 pounds of fresh garden tomatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk (for a creamy version)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Croutons
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Roasting the Vegetables
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are caramelized and the onions are soft. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making them taste better and giving the soup a richer flavor.
Making the Soup
- Blend the roasted vegetables: Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a blender or food processor along with any juices from the baking sheet. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the soup: Pour the blended mixture into a large pot. Add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add basil and season: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of sugar if needed.
- For a creamy soup: If you prefer a creamy texture, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Serving the Soup
- Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, croutons, and shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh tomatoes: Fresh garden tomatoes are the best choice for this recipe, but if they are not available, you can use canned whole tomatoes.
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth until you reach the desired consistency.
- Enhance the flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variations
- Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Tomatoes: If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, use them to make this soup even fresher and more flavorful.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: For a richer, creamier soup, add more heavy cream or coconut milk. You can also top the soup with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Roasted Tomato Soup (Jamie Oliver style): Incorporate some of Jamie Oliver’s techniques by adding a handful of fresh thyme or oregano to the roasting vegetables for an added herbal note.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamin A: 40% DV
- Vitamin C: 60% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Conclusion
Roasted Garden Tomato Basil Soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings the warmth and richness of a summer garden to your table. It’s easy to make, versatile, and packed with nutrients. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Try out this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com and subscribe to our newsletter for more culinary inspiration.