Are you craving a comforting bowl of soup that's both healthy and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This roasted cream of tomato soup recipe is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated weekend lunch. Forget those bland canned soups; this homemade version is unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to elevate your soup game with this simple, yet elegant recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 1 large onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Roasting the Tomatoes and Onions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the halved tomatoes and chopped onion with olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet.
- Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized. The edges should be slightly browned for the best flavor.
Blending the Soup:
- Once the tomatoes and onions are roasted, transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add the minced garlic.
- Carefully pour in the vegetable broth. Start with a little and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Blend until the soup is completely smooth. If using a regular blender, work in batches to avoid overflowing.
Finishing the Soup:
- Pour the blended soup into a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and heat through. Do not boil.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your roasted cream of tomato soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. A swirl of extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness. This simple soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Roasted Tomato Soup:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The flavor of this soup depends heavily on the quality of your tomatoes. Use the ripest, sweetest tomatoes you can find.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the tomatoes and onions enough space to roast properly and caramelize. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You might want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- For a smoother soup: Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending for an extra-silky texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the soup while blending.
- Creamy Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup: Add a cup of fresh basil leaves along with the tomatoes and onions when roasting.
- Roasted Tomato and Parmesan Soup: Stir in a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of heating.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on cream used)
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This roasted cream of tomato soup recipe is a delicious and healthy addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It’s a fantastic homemade cooking project that's perfect for any skill level, from beginner to expert. It's a truly satisfying and flavorful dish – enjoy the delicious outcome of your culinary efforts!