Save to Pins This Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup is a vibrant, velvety masterpiece that brings gourmet comfort to your kitchen. By roasting 1.5 lbs of ripe tomatoes with quartered onions and whole garlic cloves, we unlock a deep, caramelized sweetness that serves as the heart of this dish. Finished with a swirl of heavy cream and fragrant basil, this soup is a nourishing vegetarian option that feels both sophisticated and cozy.
Save to Pins With a total time of just 55 minutes, this recipe is accessible enough for a weeknight dinner while remaining impressive enough for guests. Whether you are seeking a warm embrace on a chilly evening or a light starter for an international-themed meal, this soup delivers on every front.
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
- 1
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 2
- Arrange tomatoes (cut side up), onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- 3
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes are caramelized and tender.
- 4
- Meanwhile, 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.
- 5
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a large pot. Add vegetable broth and tomato paste. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- 6
- Add basil leaves, then blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
- 7
- Return soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and sugar if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. Heat gently, do not boil.
- 8
- Ladle soup into bowls. Swirl with extra cream, sprinkle with croutons, and garnish with fresh basil.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To achieve the deepest flavor possible, you can use a mix of fresh and canned tomatoes. When blending, ensure the consistency is perfectly smooth; if the soup is too thick, simply add a small splash of vegetable broth until your desired texture is reached. Always be careful when blending hot liquids in a countertop blender.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan-friendly version of this soup, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. If you require a gluten-free meal, ensure the croutons are made from gluten-free bread. The smoked paprika is optional but highly recommended for a subtle, earthy depth.
Serviervorschläge
This creamy soup is traditionally served with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort pairing. Garnish each bowl with a few additional basil leaves and a final drizzle of olive oil or cream to highlight the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.
Save to Pins With 310 calories and 6g of protein per serving, this soup is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Enjoy this homemade classic during a quiet evening or share it as a heartwarming starter with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The soup actually develops deeper flavors when made 1-2 days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding the cream just before serving. Prepare croutons fresh to maintain their crisp texture.
- → What tomatoes work best?
Roma or plum tomatoes excel due to their lower water content and fleshier texture. However, any ripe variety produces delicious results. During off-season, combining fresh with quality canned whole tomatoes ensures consistent flavor year-round.
- → How do I achieve the smoothest texture?
Roasting vegetables first breaks down fibers naturally. For ultimate silkiness, blend thoroughly using an immersion blender or countertop blender in batches. For extra refinement, pass the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve before adding cream.
- → Can I freeze this?
The soup base freezes beautifully for up to three months. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Add fresh cream after reheating rather than freezing it with the base.
- → What can I serve alongside?
Grilled cheese sandwiches create the classic pairing. Garlic bread, focaccia, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette complement the rich flavors beautifully. For a lighter meal, serve with crusty bread and olive oil for dipping.
- → How do I adjust the consistency?
For thicker soup, reduce broth by ½ cup or blend in additional roasted vegetables. To thin, add more broth or water ¼ cup at a time. The cream also affects body—add less for a lighter result or more for luxurious richness.