Tomato soup is a comforting classic, and this homemade version is packed with flavor from roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This recipe takes the humble tomato soup to the next level by roasting the vegetables first, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and garlic. Whether you’re pairing it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or enjoying it on its own, this tomato soup is both nutritious and delicious. It’s simple to prepare, yet full of rich, vibrant flavors—perfect for a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ pounds (1.6 kg) fresh tomatoes (Campari and plum recommended, but any variety will work)
- 1 full head of garlic (about 6 cloves), peeled and smashed
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- Optional: ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for extra creaminess
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and croutons, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Place the tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, and roughly chopped onions on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- Spread everything out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Roast the tomatoes, garlic, and onions in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are soft, blistered, and slightly caramelized, and the garlic is golden and fragrant. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and garlic, adding depth to the soup.
- Blend the Soup:
- Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and fresh basil leaves. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you like a chunky soup, pulse the blender a few times, or blend it until smooth for a creamy texture.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, being careful with the hot liquid.
- Simmer and Adjust:
- Let the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes to reduce slightly, allowing the flavors to deepen and the soup to thicken.
- If you’re using cream, stir it in at this point and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the soup is velvety smooth.
- Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve hot with fresh croutons and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, or pair with a toasted grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- Tomato Variety: Feel free to use any tomatoes you have on hand, whether they are Roma, plum, or cherry tomatoes. Different tomatoes can give the soup slightly different flavors, so experiment with what you like best.
- Blending Options: If you prefer a super smooth soup, blend it completely. If you enjoy a more rustic texture, leave some chunks of tomatoes and vegetables unblended.
- Creaminess: Adding cream or coconut cream is optional, but it adds a luxurious, creamy finish. You can omit it for a lighter, more traditional tomato soup.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Tomatoes: Packed with vitamins C and A, tomatoes are also a great source of antioxidants like lycopene, which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Garlic: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and is rich in compounds like allicin that promote heart health.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor while providing vitamin K and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat, olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, making it heart-healthy.
- Low in Calories: Without cream, this soup is naturally low in calories but rich in nutrients, making it a perfect option for a healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy and Quick: Despite the deep flavor, this recipe is simple and requires minimal hands-on time. Roasting the vegetables and blending the soup make it almost effortless.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add cream for extra richness or keep it dairy-free, this soup can be tailored to your preferences.
- Healthy: Loaded with fresh vegetables, olive oil, and herbs, this homemade tomato soup is much healthier than store-bought versions, which often contain unnecessary sugar and preservatives.
- Comforting: It’s the ultimate comfort food for a chilly day, and pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich makes it an unbeatable classic combination.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes (if using vegetable broth)
- Vegan: Yes, if made with vegetable broth and without cream, or using coconut cream instead of dairy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure any toppings, like croutons, are also gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream with coconut cream or omit it for a dairy-free option.
Why This Recipe Works:
Roasting the tomatoes, garlic, and onions elevates the flavors of this tomato soup, giving it a deep, caramelized sweetness that you can’t achieve from boiling alone. The addition of fresh basil adds brightness, while the broth helps balance and thicken the soup. This method enhances the natural richness of the tomatoes without relying on heavy cream, keeping it light and healthy. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each one to shine, making this soup a timeless favorite.
Conclusion:
This homemade tomato soup is a perfect combination of fresh, healthy ingredients with rich, roasted flavors that are easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a comforting dish to pair with your favorite sandwich, this soup will satisfy. With its customizable texture and optional creamy finish, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade tomato soup and taste the difference that roasting the vegetables makes!
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The Best Homemade Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 1hr 10mins
Description
Tomato soup is a comforting classic, and this homemade version is packed with flavor from roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. This recipe takes the humble tomato soup to the next level by roasting the vegetables first, enhancing the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and garlic. Whether you’re pairing it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or enjoying it on its own, this tomato soup is both nutritious and delicious. It’s simple to prepare, yet full of rich, vibrant flavors—perfect for a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pounds (1.6 kg) fresh tomatoes (Campari and plum recommended, but any variety will work)
- 1 full head of garlic (about 6 cloves), peeled and smashed
- 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for extra creaminess
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and croutons, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Place the tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, and roughly chopped onions on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- Spread everything out in an even layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Roast the tomatoes, garlic, and onions in the oven for about 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are soft, blistered, and slightly caramelized, and the garlic is golden and fragrant. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and garlic, adding depth to the soup.
- Blend the Soup:
- Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and fresh basil leaves. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. If you like a chunky soup, pulse the blender a few times, or blend it until smooth for a creamy texture.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, being careful with the hot liquid.
- Simmer and Adjust:
- Let the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes to reduce slightly, allowing the flavors to deepen and the soup to thicken.
- If you’re using cream, stir it in at this point and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the soup is velvety smooth.
- Serve:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve hot with fresh croutons and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top, or pair with a toasted grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 1hr