Roasted Tomato Basil Soup (Printable)

Silky Italian soup with oven-roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, garlic, and fresh basil blended into smooth, aromatic comfort.

# What You'll Need:

→ Roasted Vegetables

01 - 3.3 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
02 - 1 large yellow onion, quartered
03 - 6 cloves garlic, peeled
04 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Soup Base

07 - 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
08 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
09 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, optional
10 - 1 teaspoon sugar, optional

→ Garnish

11 - 1/4 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche, optional
12 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish
13 - Croutons or toasted bread, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange halved tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until tomatoes are caramelized and onions are tender.
04 - Transfer roasted vegetables and any pan juices to a large pot. Add vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
05 - Stir in fresh basil leaves, butter, and sugar if using. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
06 - Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a countertop blender and return to pot.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. For a silkier texture, strain soup through a fine sieve.
08 - Serve hot, drizzled with cream and garnished with fresh basil leaves and croutons or toasted bread if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The roasting process coaxes out a deep sweetness that canned tomatoes simply cannot replicate.
  • It turns a few humble garden staples into a meal that feels fancy enough for a dinner party.
02 -
  • The sugar is not for sweetness but to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes after they roast.
  • Never skip the juices left on the baking sheet because they contain the most concentrated flavor.
03 -
  • Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the pot for a smoother texture.
  • Wait until the soup has cooled slightly before adding cream to prevent it from breaking or curdling.
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