Roasted Tomato Basil Bliss

$To make a rich and flavorful roasted tomato basil soup, you'll need the following ingredients: - 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved - 1 medium onion, quartered - 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - ½ teaspoon sugar (optional) - Fresh cream for drizzling (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in building the flavor of this soup. The ripe tomatoes give a sweet and tangy base. The onion adds depth, while the garlic brings warmth. Olive oil helps with roasting and adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Vegetable broth rounds out the soup, making it hearty. Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness, and balsamic vinegar provides a hint of acidity. If you like a touch of sweetness, the sugar can balance the flavors. Finally, a drizzle of fresh cream gives a lovely finish. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in taste. Always opt for ripe tomatoes when you can. They will ensure your soup shines with flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Take a large baking sheet and arrange the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and unpeeled garlic. - Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on top. - Roast the vegetables in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are caramelized and tender. - Once done, let the mixture cool slightly before peeling the garlic cloves. - In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetables with 2 cups of vegetable broth. - Add in the fresh basil leaves and a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar. - For a sweeter taste, you can add the optional sugar here. - Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or transfer it to a regular blender and blend until smooth. - Return the soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. - Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Heat through for another 5 minutes before serving. How to choose the ripest tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are bright and firm. Ripe tomatoes should feel heavy in your hand. Their skin should have a slight shine. Smell the stem end; a sweet aroma means they are fresh and flavorful. Importance of caramelization for flavor. Caramelization happens when the sugars in tomatoes cook down. This process creates a rich taste that enhances the soup. Roast your tomatoes until they get deep brown edges. This adds depth and sweetness to your dish. Using an immersion blender vs. a countertop blender. An immersion blender is great for pureeing soup directly in the pot. It’s quick and less messy. A countertop blender can create a super-smooth texture. Just remember to let the soup cool a bit first. Tips for safe blending. When using a countertop blender, never fill it too full. Hot liquids can expand and spill out. Blend in batches if needed. Always cover the lid with a towel to avoid burns. Adjusting sweetness with sugar. If your soup tastes a bit too acidic, add sugar to balance it out. Start with a half teaspoon. Taste as you go until it’s just right. Additional herbs or spices to consider. Experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano for added flavor. A pinch of crushed red pepper can add warmth. You can also toss in a bay leaf during cooking for depth. This soup is flexible, so let your taste guide you! Pro Tips Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your soup will significantly improve with ripe, in-season tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch. Roast for Extra Flavor: Allowing the tomatoes, onions, and garlic to caramelize in the oven enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup. Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of vegetable broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth gradually until desired consistency is reached. Fresh Basil for Brightness: Always add fresh basil leaves towards the end of cooking to retain their vibrant flavor and color, making the soup more aromatic. {{image_2}} To make this soup vegan, you can easily swap out the cream. Use coconut cream instead. If you want a lighter soup, you can leave out the cream entirely. The flavor stays rich and satisfying without it. If you need a gluten-free soup, just check your vegetable broth. Make sure it is gluten-free. Most brands offer safe options. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting dish. You can boost the taste by adding roasted red peppers. They bring a sweet, smoky flavor. Carrots also work well. They add a nice sweetness and depth. For those who love spice, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make your soup pop. These little tweaks can turn your soup into a unique delight. To store your leftover soup, let it cool first. You can transfer the soup to a pot and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Once cool, pour the soup into airtight containers. The best containers are glass or BPA-free plastic. These keep your soup fresh and let you see what’s inside. To freeze the soup, first cool it completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for the soup to expand. Seal tightly and label with the date. Your soup will last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, take it out and thaw in the fridge overnight. The best way to reheat the soup is on the stove. Pour it into a pot and heat over medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you want to use a microwave, place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the flavor and texture just right. Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. They are often ripe and packed with flavor. Canned tomatoes save time. Choose whole or diced tomatoes in juice. Drain excess liquid if needed. You can use them directly in the soup. Just add them to the pot with broth. This method makes your soup quick and easy. To spice up your soup, add crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also use fresh jalapeños for heat. Chop them finely and sauté with the onions. For a smoky kick, add smoked paprika. These simple changes will elevate the flavor. This soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches. The crunch of the bread complements the soup's smoothness. You can also serve it with a fresh salad. A light arugula salad with lemon dressing works great. For a hearty option, try crusty bread or garlic bread. These sides will make your meal satisfying and complete. This blog post explores how to make a delicious roasted tomato basil soup. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step prep, and helpful tips for roasting and pureeing. You learned variations for vegan and gluten-free options and how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. Soup can warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. With this recipe, you can enjoy a tasty dish that fits your needs. Try it out and share it with friends and family.$

A delicious and comforting roasted tomato soup infused with fresh basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
1 medium onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon sugar (optional)
to taste Fresh cream for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a large baking sheet, arrange the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and unpeeled garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are caramelized and tender.
Once roasted, allow the mixture to cool slightly. Peel the garlic cloves.
In a large pot, add the roasted tomatoes, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir in the fresh basil leaves and balsamic vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter soup, add the sugar at this stage.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender, blend until smooth, then return to the pot.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Heat through for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot, drizzled with fresh cream if desired.

Notes

Fresh cream is optional for drizzling.

Keyword basil, roasted, soup, tomato