There’s something quintessentially comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially when it’s made from scratch. Old-fashioned roasted tomato soup captures that nostalgic essence, inviting you to take a seat and enjoy a delicious, hearty bowl perfect for any occasion. In every spoonful, you’ll experience the flavors of ripe tomatoes and aromatic garlic mingling together, offering a delightful warmth that makes it an ideal dish for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
This roasted tomato soup is crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a vibrant, rich dish. The star of the show is 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, which you will halve and roast to bring out their natural sweetness. You’ll also need 1 onion, chopped finely, 4 cloves of garlic, peeled for a fragrant boost, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil for drizzling. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the flavors, while 2 cups of vegetable broth adds depth to the soup. The addition of 1 teaspoon of dried basil perfectly complements the tomatoes, while 1 teaspoon of sugar (which is optional) rounds off the acidity. And don’t forget fresh basil for garnish—it adds a finishing touch of color and flavor.
Preparing this roasted tomato soup is quite straightforward. The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal roasting environment. Begin by placing the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and garlic on a baking sheet, then drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss them lightly to coat, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. Once they’ve roasted for 25 to 30 minutes and achieved a lovely caramelization, transfer everything to a pot. Add in your vegetable broth, dried basil, and sugar (if using), and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. After that, blending it into a smooth texture is easy with an immersion blender or standard blender, and finally, adjust the seasoning to your preference before serving it hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
This soup is perfect for chilly nights when you crave something warm and comforting. It’s also an excellent choice for potlucks, offering a cozy dish that many will savor. You can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd or make it ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Roasted Tomato Soup
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be completed in just under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of fresh ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry.
- Comfort Food: With its rich and warming flavors, this soup is like a hug in a bowl.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust herbs and spices to suit your personal taste.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins from fresh tomatoes and vegetables, it’s a healthy choice for any meal.
Tomato Tips
The main ingredient in this recipe is the tomato, and for the best flavor, it’s crucial to choose perfectly ripe ones. Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size and have a strong, sweet aroma. The skin should be smooth and unblemished. If possible, organic tomatoes are preferable as they tend to have a richer taste. If you can only find underripe tomatoes, allow them to ripen at room temperature for a few days before using them in your soup. This small step can significantly enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Options for Substitutions
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil on hand, feel free to substitute dried basil with about 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil.
- Garlic: In place of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder, although it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
- Broth: Vegetable broth can be replaced with chicken broth for a meatier flavor.
- Olive Oil: Any cooking oil can be used, but extra virgin olive oil adds a wonderful richness.
- Sugar: If you prefer a natural sweetener, feel free to use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Dairy Options: For a creamier soup, you can add a splash of heavy cream or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
Roasting your vegetables is a crucial step for bringing out the depth of flavor in your soup. One common mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the vegetables are too close together, they may steam instead of roast, resulting in a less caramelized, lackluster flavor. Always give your tomatoes, onion, and garlic plenty of room.
Another pitfall is underestimating the importance of seasoning. Make sure to taste your soup as it cooks. This also means adjusting the salt and pepper to enhance rather than overpower the soup’s natural flavors.
Finally, take care when blending the soup. If using a traditional blender, allow the mixture to cool slightly before blending in batches to avoid any splattering accidents. An immersion blender is a safer and easier alternative for this step.
What to Serve With Old Fashioned Roasted Tomato Soup?
This roasted tomato soup pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for that traditional touch. Alternatively, you can toss together a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette. Crunchy breadsticks or a baguette would also be lovely, making it easy to dip into the soup. These sides not only complement the soup but also enhance a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage Instructions
Store: This soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To do so, let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers.
Reheat: For reheating, pour the soup into a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4-6 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare a Baking Sheet by lightly greasing it or covering it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables for Roasting
Place the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and peeled garlic cloves on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to ensure it is evenly coated.
Step 3: Roast the Vegetables
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet inside. Roast the vegetables for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are nicely caramelized and tender.
Step 4: Transfer to Cooking Pot
After roasting, carefully transfer the roasted vegetables into a large pot. Add the vegetable broth and dried basil, stirring to combine. If you choose to use sugar, add it now.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Blend the Soup Smooth
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If you do not have an immersion blender, you may use a standard blender in batches—just be cautious of the hot liquid.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This is your opportunity to add more salt, pepper, or even basil to suit your tastes.
Step 8: Serve with Fresh Basil
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately and enjoy the warmth and comfort of your homemade roasted tomato soup.
In summary, this old-fashioned roasted tomato soup is a timeless dish that brings together simple yet delicious ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, offers a delightful taste, and can be modified to suit your dietary preferences. I encourage you to try making this recipe in your kitchen; it’s sure to become a favorite. Share your experience with me in the comments, or explore similar posts for more comforting recipes.
Happy cooking!
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Old-Fashioned Roasted Tomato Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting roasted tomato soup combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with aromatic garlic for a heartwarming dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and peeled garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat.
- Roast the vegetables for 25 to 30 minutes until caramelized.
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a pot and add the vegetable broth and dried basil.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender.
- Adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk. Great served with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
