Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup

There is nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup to soothe the soul. This recipe elevates the classic comfort food by roasting ripe tomatoes, onions, and garlic until they are perfectly caramelized, creating a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory. Finished with a luxurious swirl of heavy cream and served with herb-infused homemade croutons, it is a vibrant and velvety dish perfect for chilly evenings.

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The process of making this soup is as comforting as the meal itself. As the tomatoes and garlic roast in the oven, your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma. By blending the roasted vegetables with fresh basil and vegetable broth, you create a base that is incredibly fresh yet deeply complex. It is a vegetarian-friendly masterpiece that feels gourmet but remains accessible for any home cook.

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 1.5 lbs (700 g) ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to adjust acidity)
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, plus more for garnish
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
• For the Homemade Croutons:
• 2 cups (100 g) day-old bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp dried oregano

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

Arrange tomatoes (cut side up), onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes are caramelized and tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Croutons

While the vegetables roast, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and oregano. Spread on a separate baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a large pot. Add the vegetable broth and tomato paste. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Blend

Add the fresh basil leaves, then blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth (or carefully transfer to a countertop blender in batches).

Step 6: Finish

Return the soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and sugar if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. Heat gently, ensuring it does not boil.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Swirl with extra cream, top with the homemade croutons, and garnish with fresh basil.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the smoothest texture, ensure the garlic cloves are fully softened before blending. If you prefer a more rustic, chunky soup, you can blend it for a shorter duration. Always remember to heat the soup gently after adding the dairy to maintain its velvety consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan-friendly version, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. If you are short on fresh produce, you can use a mix of fresh and canned tomatoes to achieve a deeper flavor. For those avoiding gluten, use your favorite gluten-free bread for the croutons.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is a classic starter, but it can easily become a main course when paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The crunch of the sandwich and the creaminess of the soup are a match made in heaven. Garnish with a few extra cracks of black pepper for a little extra warmth.

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With its beautiful golden-red hue and rich, comforting flavor, this Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Serve it hot, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the perfect bowl of homemade comfort.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Make croutons fresh before serving for best texture.

→ How do I make this dairy-free?

Simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream, cashew cream, or your favorite plant-based alternative. The soup will maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor with these substitutions.

→ What type of tomatoes work best?

Ripe, in-season tomatoes deliver the best flavor. Roma or plum tomatoes work exceptionally well due to their meaty texture and lower water content. You can also use a combination of fresh and canned tomatoes for deeper flavor.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. Freeze the soup without the cream for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently, then stir in fresh cream before serving. Do not freeze the croutons.

→ Why add sugar to tomato soup?

Sugar balances the natural acidity of tomatoes, creating a more rounded flavor profile. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as sweetness levels vary depending on tomato ripeness and variety.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a quiche or savory tart.