Roasted Tomato Soup: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl
Nothing quite captures the essence of comfort food like a steaming bowl of homemade tomato soup. And when you make it with roasted tomatoes, the flavors reach new heights of deliciousness. This roasted tomato soup recipe is a perennial favorite, delivering a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days.
Whether you’re seeking a soothing lunch, a starter for a special dinner, or a warm companion to a grilled cheese sandwich, this roasted tomato soup is sure to delight. With its silky smooth texture and bold, umami-rich taste, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved classic.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this roasted tomato soup apart is the depth of flavor achieved through the simple process of roasting the tomatoes. By caramelizing the natural sugars, the roasting process enhances the tomatoes’ sweetness and concentrates their tangy, tomatoey essence. The result is a soup with a wonderfully creamy texture and a flavor that’s simply out of this world.
Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is also a breeze to prepare. With minimal hands-on time and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s the perfect option for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals. And the best part? This soup freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy its comforting goodness all season long.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Roasted Tomato Soup ❓
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
The beauty of this roasted tomato soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of ripe tomatoes, aromatic onions and garlic, and a touch of herbs creates the classic Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made tomato soup recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Roasted Tomato Soup Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Arrange the tomato halves, cut-side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
• Step 3: Roast the tomatoes for 30-40 minutes, or until they’re caramelized and softened.
• Step 4: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the diced onion in a bit of olive oil over medium heat until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
• Step 5: Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
• Step 6: Transfer the roasted tomatoes and any accumulated juices to the pot with the onions and garlic. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Step 7: Carefully use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches) to purée the soup until smooth and creamy.
• Step 8: Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust any other seasonings as needed.
• Step 9: Serve the roasted tomato soup warm, garnished with fresh basil, croutons, or a swirl of cream, if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 60 minutes
Compared to traditional tomato soup recipes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this roasted tomato soup saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 741mg
These roasted tomato soups provide approximately 10% of your daily Vitamin C requirements and 15% of your daily Vitamin A needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the onion or replace it with diced zucchini.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream instead of dairy.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or carrots during the sautéing step.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the roasted tomato soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Complement the soup with a glass of dry white wine or a simple side of steamed vegetables.
• For a cozy dinner, serve the roasted tomato soup alongside a hearty pasta dish or a platter of charcuterie and cheese.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by serving the soup in shot glasses or small bowls, garnished with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting the tomatoes is crucial for developing the deep, complex flavors in this soup.
• Blending the soup too much: Be careful not to overblend, as this can result in a gritty texture.
• Forgetting to season: Proper seasoning with salt and pepper is essential to bring out the best in this soup.
• Not adjusting the consistency: The final texture should be silky smooth, so add more broth or cream as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These roasted tomato soups retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the blending step, then let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Freezing baked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream to restore the desired texture.
❓ FAQs
How far in advance can I make this roasted tomato soup?
This roasted tomato soup can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For longer-term storage, the unbaked soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! You can substitute an equal amount of high-quality canned diced or crushed tomatoes for the fresh tomatoes. The roasting process will still intensify the flavor, even with canned tomatoes. Just be sure to drain the canned tomatoes before roasting to avoid excess liquid in the final soup.
Is this soup gluten-free and dairy-free?
This roasted tomato soup is naturally gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, simply substitute unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream for the heavy cream. You can also omit the cream entirely and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
What if my soup is too thick or too thin?
If your roasted tomato soup is too thick, simply add more broth, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few minutes to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate. You can also stir in a small amount of heavy cream or half-and-half to thicken it up.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs to this recipe?
Absolutely! This roasted tomato soup recipe is highly adaptable. You can stir in diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sautéing step. Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary can also be added along with the dried herbs. Just be mindful of the overall flavor balance and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Conclusion
These roasted tomato soups represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting lunch, a starter for a special dinner, or a cozy accompaniment to a grilled cheese sandwich, they’re sure to impress with their rich, velvety texture and bold, umami-forward taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these roasted tomato soups demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the roasting process. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the cozy, comforting pleasure of homemade tomato soup at its finest?
