This mouthwatering roasted tomato basil soup is a perfect blend of garden-fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and savory spices. It's a comforting and nourishing soup that will warm you up on a chilly day. The tomatoes are roasted to enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. This soup is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a starter. Serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds ripe tomatoes
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the tomatoes into quarters and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Peel and chop the onion into wedges. Add them to the baking sheet with the tomatoes.
- Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the sheet as well.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss everything together until well coated and spread it out in a single layer.
- Roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the roasted vegetables cool slightly.
- In a blender or food processor, add the roasted vegetables along with the fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer the blended mixture to a large pot and add the vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a creamier consistency. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.
Interesting Facts
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a great addition to a healthy soup.