Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
A bistro-level roasted tomato basil soup featuring deep, smoky notes and a velvety texture. This recipe uses roasted Roma tomatoes and fresh herbs for a bright, sophisticated finish.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Large Pot
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds roma tomatoes halved
- 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 0.33 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
- Additional fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Roast the tomatoes for concentrated flavor
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the halved Roma tomatoes cut-side up on the sheet.
- Drizzle the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Roast for 1 hour until the edges wrinkle and the centers are jammy.
Build the aromatic base and simmer
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic with a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 8 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Incorporate the roasted tomatoes and their juices into the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
Blend until silky, then finish with basil
- Allow the soup to cool slightly for safety. Transfer to a blender and process until completely smooth and satiny. Add the fresh basil leaves and pulse briefly so small green flecks remain visible.
- Return the soup to the pot to warm if needed. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve in bowls topped with additional fresh basil.
Notes
Safety Tip: When blending hot liquids, only fill the blender jar halfway and vent the lid to allow steam to escape safely.
Storage Guide: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain the basil's fresh aroma.
Chef Trick: For a mellow flavor, tuck your garlic cloves inside the tomato halves before roasting them in the oven.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.