Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup is a rich and comforting dish that elevates the classic tomato soup with a deeper, more complex flavor. By roasting the tomatoes first, this soup achieves a wonderful caramelization that brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their taste. Combined with aromatic garlic and onions, and then blended into a smooth, velvety texture with the addition of cream or coconut milk, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. Whether served as a warming lunch or as an elegant starter for dinner, this creamy roasted tomato soup is a delightful treat that pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of bread or a light salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
Directions:
- Roast the Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tomato halves, onion quarters, and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred.
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- Once roasted, remove the vegetables from the oven. Peel the garlic cloves and discard the skins. Transfer the tomatoes, onion, and peeled garlic into a large pot.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add the vegetable or chicken broth to the pot with the roasted vegetables. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and let cook gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Blend the Soup:
- Turn off the heat and add the fresh basil leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until completely smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- Finish with Cream:
- Return the blended soup to the pot (if you used a standard blender). Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, and heat through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and optional sugar if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of cream or olive oil if desired.
Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any season. Its comforting warmth makes it ideal for cool days, while its rich flavor profile is a welcome treat any time of the year. Serve this luscious soup as a cozy meal that soothes and satisfies with every spoonful.
