This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is a celebration of summer’s finest flavors—sweet, sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil—beautifully roasted and blended into a creamy, comforting bowl. Whether you crave cozy nights or a fresh, light lunch, this soup will soon be a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Intensely Fresh Flavor: Roasting the tomatoes coaxes out their natural sweetness, taking the soup to a whole new level of delicious.
- Creamy (Without Cream!): This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is luxuriously smooth from the pureed veggies—no dairy needed for that silky texture.
- Colorful & Nutritious: Packed with antioxidants and vibrant veggies, each spoonful is as nourishing as it is beautiful.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this soup to be vegan, gluten-free, or add your own spin using whatever you have in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Every item in this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup brings something essential, from the deep garden aroma of fresh basil to the robust sweetness of oven-roasted tomatoes. You’re only a handful of pantry staples away from a bowl of pure comfort.
- Roma Tomatoes: Roasting these meaty tomatoes intensifies both flavor and color, making them the undisputed star of the show.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth—perfect for roasting and for building a fragrant base in the soup pot.
- Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple, but essential for coaxing out all those garden-fresh flavors.
- Yellow Onion: A sweet backbone, giving the soup an aromatic warmth.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances the acidity of tomatoes and rounds out the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Four cloves might seem bold, but roasted garlic mellows into pure mellow magic.
- Vegetable Broth: The base that ties it all together—use a good-quality broth for the best-tasting results.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Just a tablespoon awakens all the sweet and savory tastes, giving the soup a subtle tang.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: These tiny leaves pack a punch and add earthy depth to every spoonful.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: This is the finishing touch; its bright, peppery flavor is what transforms tomato soup into Roasted Tomato Basil Soup.
Variations
The best part about Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is how endlessly customizable it is! Whether you’re catering to dietary needs, or just improvising with what’s in your fridge, here are some easy tweaks and twists to keep things fun and fresh.
- Creamy Dreamy: Blend in a splash of coconut milk or a swirl of heavy cream right at the end for extra richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper for a soup with a gentle heat.
- Herby Swap: No fresh thyme? Try rosemary or oregano for a new herbal profile.
- Protein Boost: Stir in cooked white beans after blending for heartiness and a little extra plant-based protein.
How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—minimal sticking guaranteed! Arrange the halved roma tomatoes cut side up, give them a generous drizzle of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about an hour, until their edges just begin to caramelize; the kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly, and the tomatoes will develop rich, concentrated flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While those tomatoes roast, heat your remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and garlic, plus a sprinkle of salt. Sauté for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is soft, fragrant, and golden—this is the flavor base that sets the soup apart.
Step 3: Simmer Everything Together
Once the tomatoes are roasted and aromatic, add them to the pot with the sautéed veggies. Pour in the vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme. Give it all a good stir, bring to a gentle simmer, and let the flavors meld together for about 20 minutes. The transformation that happens in this pot is where the real magic begins!
Step 4: Blend and Add Basil
Allow the soup to cool slightly (hot liquids in blenders can be feisty!). Working in batches if necessary, blend the soup until perfectly smooth. Now for that characteristic Roasted Tomato Basil Soup flair: toss in the fresh basil and give it a few quick pulses—just enough to combine without dulling that bright, herbal flavor.
Step 5: Taste, Season, and Serve
Pour the soup back into your pot and season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle it into cozy bowls, garnish with torn basil leaves (and maybe a drizzle of olive oil), and prepare to fall in love with every spoonful.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven Magic: Don’t rush the roasting! Let those tomatoes go the full hour for caramelized edges and maximum flavor concentration.
- Blender Safety: Always cool your soup slightly before blending, and never fill the blender more than halfway—hot soup expands!
- Best Basil Flavor: Add the basil leaves after blending the hot soup to preserve their vibrant color and essential oils.
- Balance the Acidity: Taste your soup before serving and tweak with a hint of extra balsamic or a pinch of sugar if needed—you want sweet, savory, and tangy all working in harmony.
How to Serve Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Garnishes
Dress up each bowl with bright, torn basil leaves, a drizzle of excellent olive oil, and maybe a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. For a little indulgence, a spoonful of crème fraîche or a sprinkle of parmesan pulls everything together in true bistro style.
Side Dishes
There’s almost nothing better than a warm, crusty grilled cheese alongside Roasted Tomato Basil Soup—pure nostalgia, anyone? Pair it with garlic bread, a toasty baguette, or a crisp arugula salad for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a dinner party? Pour the soup into stylish mugs or shot glasses for an elegant appetizer. Or ladle it over cooked farro or rice for a hearty, veggie-laden main that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Tomato Basil Soup keeps beautifully—simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, making busy weeknights a breeze.
Freezing
This soup freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe containers (leaving a little room for expansion), then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a taste of summer in the depths of winter.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s as warm as you like. If it thickens in the fridge or freezer, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up while warming.
FAQs
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Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! In a pinch, use high-quality whole peeled tomatoes in place of fresh. You won’t get quite as much roasted depth, but the soup will still be delicious. Try roasting the canned tomatoes briefly for extra richness.
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Is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup vegan or gluten-free?
Yes! The base recipe is both vegan and gluten-free. Just be mindful of any toppings, such as certain cheeses or bread sides, if you have dietary restrictions.
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Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely. This soup is perfect for making ahead or doubling for meal prep. Just ensure your blender has room for larger quantities, or blend in batches.
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What’s the best way to make this soup extra creamy?
If you’re craving extra creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk, cashew cream, or heavy cream after blending. A handful of soaked cashews blended with the soup is another great dairy-free trick!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a simple yet unforgettable homemade soup, this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup can’t be beat. Pour yourself a bowl, grab your favorite bread, and let each spoonful remind you how comforting, colorful, and restorative homemade food can be. Enjoy every slurp, my friend!
PrintRoasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting, Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Tomato Basil Soup recipe that is perfect for any time of the year. This soup is made with roasted roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and other aromatic ingredients, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatoes:
- 2½ pounds roma tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Soup Base:
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped carrots
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 loosely packed cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, roast for 1 hour.
- Prepare the Soup Base: In a pot, sauté onions, carrots, and garlic. Add tomatoes, broth, vinegar, thyme, simmer for 20 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Cool slightly, blend the soup in batches until smooth. Add basil and pulse.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning, ladle into bowls, garnish with basil.
Notes
- You can add a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg