There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup. Made with fresh tomatoes, roasted garlic, onions, and basil, this recipe delivers a rich, flavorful soup that beats any store-bought version. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, it pairs wonderfully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread. The creamy texture combined with the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes will make this your go-to recipe whenever you crave a heartwarming soup.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs fresh tomatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
- ½ onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Optional: ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream (for a creamier texture)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet and set it aside. - Roast the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the fresh tomatoes, diced onion, and chopped garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss until evenly coated. - Spread and Roast:
Spread the tomato mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, then stir the mixture and roast for an additional 15 minutes. For added flavor, use the broiler during the last 3 minutes to slightly char some of the tomatoes. - Blend the Mixture:
Once roasted, transfer the tomato mixture into a high-powered blender. Be sure to scrape all the juices and bits from the baking sheet. Add the fresh basil leaves and blend on high until smooth, about 50 seconds. - Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk for about 30-60 seconds, or until it turns golden brown. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and sugar until well combined and smooth. - Combine and Simmer:
Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot with the broth. Stir thoroughly to combine. If you prefer a creamier soup, add ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream at this stage. Simmer the soup over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as croutons, chopped fresh basil, or a drizzle of cream.
Cooking Tips:
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and brings out a deeper flavor.
- Broiling the tomatoes for the last few minutes gives a slight char, adding a smoky dimension to the soup.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the vegetable broth to 3 cups.
- For a smoother texture, strain the soup after blending to remove any tomato seeds or skins.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, which has antioxidant properties.
- Garlic offers immune-boosting properties and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Basil is rich in vitamins A and K, as well as iron, and adds a fresh, fragrant finish to the soup.
- Vegetable broth keeps the soup light while providing essential minerals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This homemade tomato soup is both flavorful and nourishing. The roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, while the addition of basil and garlic provides a vibrant taste. It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients and can be customized with cream for added richness. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is as comforting as it is healthy.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This soup is naturally vegetarian-friendly.
- Vegan: To make it vegan, use dairy-free butter or oil and skip the optional cream.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Why This Recipe Works:
Roasting the tomatoes, garlic, and onion enhances their flavors, creating a rich, concentrated base for the soup. The combination of butter and flour adds body to the broth, while the vegetable stock ensures a light, healthy foundation. The basil and garlic elevate the soup’s flavor profile, making it a simple yet elegant dish.
Conclusion:
This Best Homemade Tomato Soup is packed with natural flavors, making it a family favorite. It’s the perfect way to use fresh tomatoes and makes an ideal accompaniment to any meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with grilled cheese, this creamy, flavorful soup will keep you warm and satisfied.
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Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 50mins
Description
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup. Made with fresh tomatoes, roasted garlic, onions, and basil, this recipe delivers a rich, flavorful soup that beats any store-bought version. Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, it pairs wonderfully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread. The creamy texture combined with the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes will make this your go-to recipe whenever you crave a heartwarming soup.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs fresh tomatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Optional: 1/4 to 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a creamier texture)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet and set it aside. - Roast the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, combine the fresh tomatoes, diced onion, and chopped garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss until evenly coated. - Spread and Roast:
Spread the tomato mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, then stir the mixture and roast for an additional 15 minutes. For added flavor, use the broiler during the last 3 minutes to slightly char some of the tomatoes. - Blend the Mixture:
Once roasted, transfer the tomato mixture into a high-powered blender. Be sure to scrape all the juices and bits from the baking sheet. Add the fresh basil leaves and blend on high until smooth, about 50 seconds. - Prepare the Soup Base:
In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk for about 30-60 seconds, or until it turns golden brown. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth and sugar until well combined and smooth. - Combine and Simmer:
Pour the blended tomato mixture into the pot with the broth. Stir thoroughly to combine. If you prefer a creamier soup, add ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream at this stage. Simmer the soup over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as croutons, chopped fresh basil, or a drizzle of cream.
- Prep Time: 5mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins