Description
This Tomato Basil Soup recipe features fresh roasted tomatoes and aromatic basil, creating a rich and savory flavor perfect for cozy meals. Ideal as a comforting starter or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread, this soup is easy to prepare and delivers a vibrant, fresh taste.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2½ pounds roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped carrots
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 loosely packed cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
Liquids & Oils
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Herbs & Seasonings
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the halved roma tomatoes cut side up on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 1 hour, until the edges begin to shrivel but the insides remain juicy.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the tomatoes roast, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, garlic, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Stir in the roasted tomatoes along with their juices, vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
- Add Basil and Season: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and pulse the blender a few more times or stir well to combine the basil evenly without over-blending to retain some texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve warm, ideally with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic pairing.
Notes
- Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup’s flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner soup, add additional vegetable broth when blending.
- Use fresh basil for best flavor; dried basil will not have the same vibrant taste.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make it vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is free from animal products.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
