Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
This Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cold nights. This is one of the recipes that is very close to my heart.
Tomato soup is the first thing that comes to my mind when someone says soup. Fortunately, my family loves soup and is ready to try any different soup that I make.
This has made me develop a little more liking for soups. To this day, though, tomato soup is my absolute favorite. The tomato soup that I ate back in India is quite different from what I ate here in the US.
My favorite here is Panera Bread's kind of chunky tomato soup. This Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup closely resembles the Panera Bread soup and is one of the recipes that is very close to my heart.
Why do we Roast the Tomatoes -
Roasting any vegetable brings out the natural sweetness. It is the same with the tomatoes as well, and it also imparts a beautiful smoky flavor to the soup. I also roast the garlic along with the tomatoes. The flavor of roasted garlic is just amazing.
What kind of Tomatoes to use for the Tomato Soup
You could use any kind of tomato to make this roasted tomato soup, but make sure they are thin-skinned. I like tomatoes on the vine, Roma tomatoes, or Heirloom Tomatoes. These tomatoes hold well to the roasting.
So anytime I see the plump, red tomatoes in the market, I am tempted to make this soup right away. One other reason we grow lots of different tomatoes in our backyard is to experiment with the flavors.
What kind of Herbs to use
This recipe is for Roasted Tomato and Basil soup, and hence I have used basil in the recipe. Again, a great recipe to make during summer to use the abundance of basil growing in the backyard.
I have a small plant of basil that I try to keep alive inside the house in winter, so I have fresh herbs available all the time. You could also substitute with dried basil in case fresh is not available. I have also used mint in the past for a slightly different flavor.
Can we freeze this roasted tomato and basil soup?
Absolutely! Make sure to freeze the soup in individual serving sizes for easy defrosting and reheating. You could also roast your summer bounty of tomatoes and freeze the roasted tomatoes instead to make fresh soup in winter.
Can we make this soup in an Instant Pot?
The answer again is Absolutely! Lately, I have been using an Instant Pot to make this Roasted Tomato Soup. It makes the cooking process quicker and also hands-free.
I roast the tomatoes and garlic in the oven, and then instead of proceeding with the recipe on the stovetop, I use the Instant Pot. This post explains the stove-top method, as not everyone has access to an Instant Pot.
If you want to make it in the Instant Pot, saute the onions in the IP and then add the rest of the ingredients and pressure cook for 8 minutes on high. Then let the pressure release naturally and use a hand blender to blend the soup.
If you are looking for more Soup Recipes, check out these -
- Mexican Flavored Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Instant Pot Minestrone Soup
- Middle Eastern Vegan Lentil Soup
- Mulligatawny Soup
- Chinese Hot and Sour Vegetable Soup
Preparation time - 15 minutes
Cooking time - 1 hr 30 minutes
Difficulty level - easy
Ingredients to make Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup - (serves 4-6)
- Tomatoes - 7-8 medium (quartered)
- Diced tomatoes (canned) - 1-15 oz can
- Onion - 1 medium (finely chopped)
- Garlic - 3 or 4 cloves
- Olive oil - 3 tbsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes - 1 tsp
- Salt - to taste
- Pepper - to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped) - 1 cup (loosely packed)
- Parmesan cheese - to garnish (optional)
Procedure to make Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet lined with foil, lay the quartered tomatoes and the garlic cloves and drizzle about 2 tablespoon of olive oil over them. Add salt and pepper and give it a quick mix. Roast them for about 30 - 45 minutes.
- In a large soup pot, add the remaining oil and sauté the chopped onions until golden brown. Now add the canned tomatoes, roasted tomatoes with their juices, and the basil, and mix it well. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes and then add about 4 cups of water. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper, and also add the crushed red pepper flakes. Get an immersion blender and puree the whole mixture to the desired chunkiness. I left mine a little on the chunky side. If using a blender or a food processor, let the mixture cool down a bit and then puree it. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if using it!
Other Appetizer Ideas
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Recipe
Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup
Equipment
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 7 Tomatoes medium
- 15 ounce Diced tomatoes canned - 1-15 oz can
- 1 Onion 1 medium finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup Fresh basil leaves chopped (loosely packed)
- Parmesan cheese to garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. In a baking sheet lined with foil, lay the quartered tomatoes and the garlic cloves and drizzle about 2 tablespoon of olive oil over them.
- Add salt and pepper and give it a quick mix. Roast them for about 30 - 45 minutes.
- In a large soup pot, add the remaining oil and sauté the chopped onions until golden brown.
- Now add the canned tomatoes, roasted tomatoes with its juices and the basil and mix it well. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes and then add about 4 cups of water. Cook the mixture over medium low heat for about 30 minutes.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper and also add the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Get an immersion blender in and puree the whole mixture to the desired chunkiness. I left mine a little on the chunky side. If using a blender or a food processor, let the mixture cool down a bit and then puree it.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese if using!
Roasting the tomatoes makes such a difference in the flavor of the soup! Delicious and made a perfect winter dinner!
This soup was perfect for a cold January day! Roasting the tomatoes brought out so much flavor. I'll definitely make this again before the winter is over. Total comfort food.
MMM yes please! Tomato soup is such a classic dish. It's so comforting and yours is scrumptious! I love that you also roast the tomatoes too! The flavors are top notch!
Lovely tomato soup. I used only fresh tomatoes to make it since I didn't have canned. I also added some carrots and celery. Good with a swirl of double cream.
Tomato soup is one of my favorites too! I love the idea of roasting the garlic and tomatoes as it gave it such a hearty robust flavor. This recipe will be seeing a lot of use as the winter progresses.
This soup is very tasty. It has a wonderful depth to it. It's really good. I'll be making this one again.
The combination of roasted tomatoes and canned tomatoes really makes this tomato soup special! It's so good and has become our favorite lunch soup!
This is my favorite way to make tomato soup. It was super easy and always a hit with the family!
Tomato soup is one of my favourites and we eat it for lunch quite often. I love your roasted version as it really boosts the delicious tomato flavour.
This soup was so perfect for this rainy week! I served it in bread bowls and we couldn't get enough. Thanks for sharing!
Sandhyaji,
Great Recipe and something I really wish to try.
Is it ok to use fresh tomatoes instead of Canned ? Is there any particular reason why choose canned.
Also which variety of tomatoes you feel are the best for this recipe . Roma ? Cherry ?
Thanks Maya. I love adding a little bit of canned for the burst of color and flavor. You can skip and add some blanched regular tomatoes as well. I like to use the tomatoes on vine or roma tomatoes.
Fantastic recipe
Thanks a lot!
I love tomato soup and this one looks awesome. The roasted tomato and basil sounds a great combination of flavor to have.
Roasted tomato bring out a lot of flavors and the soup is such a comfort to enjoy in cold nights.
I love tomato soup, this is the perfect season to enjoy it. I love this creative idea of roasting veggies into oven, I’m sure it enhance the flavours most out of it. Though i always pressure cook tomatoes for making soup, I’ll try it next time of roasting all veggies in oven..
The soup looks scrumptious with basil.
that soup looks yummmm sandhya! i love those bowls too, gaathrama iruku paarka! i love homemade tomato soup, with a good chunky and perfectly toasted bread, this must be heaven in a bowl!
I love tomato soup. So many beautiful childhood memories are attached to it. Loved your recipe. Roasting the tomatoes before adding to the soup is a great idea, I will also try it.
A perfect post at the perfect time! Winters are here and soups make for the most comforting appetizer...must say, this roasted tomato soup looks absolutely stunning. Seeing your pics, I am too tempted to make it soon...Thanks for sharing!
I love the idea of roasting the tomatoes to infuse the smoky flavor in the soup. Basil enhances the taste.. lovely combo
Tomato soup takes me back to my childhood! We would have it every Sunday for lunch with a grilled cheese sandwich. Of course, the tomato soup was from a can, so this version with fresh basil sounds so much better!
I am a sucker for tomato soup, especially in the winter months. Nothing better than dripping a grilled cheese into tomato soup. Loved your roasted tomato soup! The basil was a perfect addition.
Oh Gosh! Yes Cindy. Tomato soup and grilled cheese is a match made in heaven 🙂
This is a great simple roasted tomato soup recipe! Will definitely be whipping this up over the weekend.
Thanks Emily! Let me know when you get a chance to try it.
This makes it look so simple to make! Trying it this weekend.
Thanks! Let me know how you liked it.
I'm feeling a bit under the weather today and am so glad I found this recipe. Warmed me up perfectly. Roasting the tomatoes really brought out such amazing flavor.
Jen, hope you feel better soon! Thanks a lot.
I agree roasting veggies really brings out the flavour and makes them sweeter! I love that you roasted the garlic too. This soup sounds divine!
Thanks a lot! Love roasting every vegetable.
Delicious, easy and so comforting. Just the way a soup recipe should be. Can't wait to have a a big bowl in front of me!
Love this recipe! Tomato soup is probably my favorite soup as well. Love all the flavors in this! The ultimate comfort food!
Tomato comes to my mind too when someone says soup. Though i always pressure cook tomatoes for making soup i loved the idea of roasting it in oven.
The soup looks delicious with basil.
I have a bulk of basil but was unable to understand how to utilize it. Thank you so much for such a delicious and wonderful idea. Needless to say that your soup looks delectable.
I can imagine the deep flavor of this yummy soup. Roasting the tomatoes must take this a notch higher too. Fabulous share and pics!
Roasting the tomatoes is such a good idea. I often do this when I'm adding tomatoes to stews. Love your idea of roasting the garlic too. Your soup sounds delicious and I wish I had a bowl of it right in front of me now.
I love tomato soups, my choice of soup anytime.Find it very comforting and enjoy the slight tangy taste. Also the additional advantage is that we can use a variety of herbs. I now try and roast all of my veggies for any of the smooth soups I make at home as they definitely taste different.
Wow!! Tomato soup is my ultimate favorite!! I have never tried roasting tomatoes, but your recipe is tempting me! Looks so delicious and super tempting dear! Thanks for the IP recipe too 🙂