Go Back
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, quartered - 1 large onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, peeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar The first step in making roasted tomato basil soup is gathering your ingredients. Fresh tomatoes are key for this recipe. Look for ripe tomatoes. They should feel soft and smell sweet. The onion adds depth to the soup. Use a large onion for a strong flavor. Garlic gives the soup a bold taste. Use fresh cloves, not the pre-peeled ones. Olive oil helps to roast the vegetables. It adds a nice richness. You can adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Dried oregano brings a classic Italian touch. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Vegetable broth forms the soup's base, making it hearty. Fresh basil leaves give the soup its signature flavor. They should be bright green and fragrant. Lastly, balsamic vinegar adds a sweet tang to balance the flavors. Each ingredient plays a vital role. Together, they create a comforting and savory dish. A serving has about 150 calories. It also contains around 3 grams of protein and 6 grams of fat. This soup is low in calories and full of flavor. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K. They also have antioxidants for health. Basil offers anti-inflammatory benefits. - Roasting pan or baking sheet - Large pot - Immersion blender or standard blender Use a roasting pan for even cooking. A large pot is needed to simmer the soup. An immersion blender is great for a smooth texture. If you don’t have one, a standard blender works well too. Just remember to be careful with hot soup. Each tool helps make this dish simple and fun. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Next, prepare the fresh veggies. Quarter the ripe tomatoes and chop the onion. Peel the garlic cloves. - Spread the tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. - Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the veggies. - Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Toss everything well to coat the veggies evenly. - Roast the veggies in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. They should look caramelized and soft. - Once roasted, transfer the veggies to a large pot. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. - Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves and let it simmer for 5 more minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. - Now, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it's smooth. If you don't have one, carefully blend it in batches using a standard blender. - Stir in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to enhance the flavor. Adjust the seasoning if needed. - Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil, if you like. To make your soup even better, consider these herbs and spices: - Fresh thyme - Bay leaves - A pinch of sugar to balance acidity For serving, you can add these garnishes: - Extra basil leaves - A swirl of olive oil - Croutons for crunch Avoid undercooking by ensuring your veggies are soft and caramelized. If you overcook, the soup may lose its fresh taste. Taste as you go to find the right seasoning balance. A little salt brings out the best in the tomatoes. If you're short on time, try steaming the tomatoes instead of roasting. This method cooks faster but may not give you the same rich flavor. When blending hot soup, use an immersion blender for safety. If you use a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly to avoid splatters. {{image_2}} If you want a creamy soup without dairy, try these options: - Coconut milk: Use one can for a rich, tropical taste. - Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a smooth texture. - Almond milk: This option adds a light flavor and works well. For added creaminess, think about using: - Silken tofu: Blend it in for a protein boost. - Avocado: It brings a smooth feel and healthy fats. To make your soup heartier, you can add protein: - Lentils: Cook red or green lentils and stir them in for fiber. - Beans: White beans or chickpeas work great for texture and nutrition. If you prefer meat, try: - Chicken: Add cooked, shredded chicken for a classic touch. - Turkey: Use leftover turkey for a tasty twist. Want to change the flavor? Here are some ideas: - Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat. - Smoky: Use smoked paprika or roasted garlic for a deeper taste. You can also explore regional twists: - Italian: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. - Mexican: Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick. To store leftover soup in the fridge, let it cool first. Pour the soup into a clean, airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to five days. When reheating, pour the soup into a pot. Heat it on medium until warm. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. For long-term storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely. Then, pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place the soup in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on defrost. Reheat as you would from the fridge. In the fridge, your roasted tomato basil soup lasts about five days. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells or changes in color. If it seems odd, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To make this soup vegan, swap the vegetable broth for homemade or store-bought vegan broth. Use olive oil for roasting as it is plant-based. You can also skip the balsamic vinegar if you prefer, but it adds nice depth. Another option is to blend in some coconut milk for creaminess if you want a richer flavor. Always taste and adjust salt as needed. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Canned tomatoes save time and still give good flavor. Look for whole or crushed tomatoes without added sugars or preservatives. The downside is fresh tomatoes often have a brighter taste. Canned tomatoes can be softer, leading to a different texture. If using canned, reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked. This soup pairs well with many sides. A classic choice is a grilled cheese sandwich. You can also serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra basil on top for a fresh touch! This blog post covered how to make a delicious roasted tomato basil soup. We discussed the key ingredients, nutritional benefits, and cooking tools needed. You learned how to roast your veggies, blend them, and enhance flavors for the best taste. I shared tips for variations and storage, ensuring your soup stays fresh. Lastly, we addressed common questions to help you succeed. Now you have the tools to create a flavorful dish that warms the heart and satisfies your palate. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting soup with family and friends.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Warm up with a bowl of hearty roasted tomato basil soup that's bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of balsamic vinegar for a deliciously comforting dish. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, it’s simple to make in just 50 minutes.
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 lbs ripe tomatoes, quartered

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, peeled

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    On a large baking sheet, spread the quartered tomatoes, chopped onion, and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything to combine.

      Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are caramelized and the onion is soft.

        Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

          Add the fresh basil leaves to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

            Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender (be careful with hot liquids!).

              Stir in the balsamic vinegar for an added layer of flavor and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Serve hot, garnished with a few additional basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6