This Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect blend of rustic and refined, capturing the essence of late summer in every spoonful. With a few simple ingredients, you'll create a comforting, flavorful dish that's perfect for chilly evenings.
Tomatoes: The star of the show. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor. Go for ripe ones for the best taste.
Onion: Adds depth and a mild sweetness to the soup. It complements the tomatoes beautifully.
Garlic: When roasted, garlic becomes mellow and sweet, adding a subtle yet essential flavor to the soup.
Olive Oil: Helps with the roasting process and adds a hint of richness to the overall flavor.
Fresh Basil: The fresh, peppery aroma of basil elevates the soup, making it vibrant and fragrant.
Vegetable Broth: Serves as the base, adding body and a layer of savory goodness.
Heavy Cream: It provides the creamy texture, turning the soup into a luxurious experience.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
This soup is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a crusty loaf of sourdough bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich makes for an unbeatable combo. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the creamy richness of the soup beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it's warming up, grab those ripe tomatoes and slice them in half. Arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Add the chopped onion and whole garlic cloves alongside the tomatoes.
Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This is where the magic begins — when roasted, these simple ingredients transform beautifully. Pop the tray in the oven and let them roast for 30 to 40 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized, and the garlic is tender.
Once roasted, let them cool just a bit. You don't want to burn your fingers while transferring them to a large pot. Add the fresh basil and vegetable broth to the pot. Now comes the fun part — blending it all together. If you have an immersion blender, it's super handy here. Blend until the soup is smooth and all the roasted goodness is incorporated.
Next, pour in the heavy cream. Stir the soup gently over medium heat until it's warmed through. Take a taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Remember, seasoning can make or break a dish.