Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of homemade soup, especially when it’s as rich and flavorful as this Roasted Tomato Soup with Herbs. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delightful taste but also in its simplicity. With just a handful of quality ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that is both healthy and satisfying. Roasting Roma tomatoes until they burst with sweetness, blending them with aromatic herbs, and finishing off with a splash of cream or coconut milk amplifies the flavors and provides a fragrant, creamy texture. Whether it’s served as a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a delightful snack, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of roasted vegetables, simmering away on the stove, as you prepare for a cozy evening. With the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes and the fragrant notes of thyme and basil, this soup offers a hearty, flavorful experience with every spoonful. It’s not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, this recipe accommodates a variety of dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or meal prepping. From gluten-free diets to vegetarian lifestyles, everyone will enjoy this delicious soup.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato Soup with Herbs
- Flavor-Packed: Each spoonful bursts with the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the aromatic punch of fresh herbs.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with only a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
- Health Benefits: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, this soup is perfect for those seeking a nutritious meal option.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, as a side, or pair it with your favorite sandwich or salad for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for meal prepping.
- Comfort Food: Its creamy texture and soothing warmth make it perfect for cooler days.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into this delightful recipe, it’s essential to prep your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), as you’ll want it nice and hot for roasting the tomatoes and garlic. Ensure your workspace is clean and organized, which helps in the cooking process. For this recipe, you’ll need a baking sheet to roast the vegetables, a pot to simmer the soup, and either an immersion blender or a countertop blender to achieve that wonderfully smooth texture.
It’s also a good idea to have measuring spoons on hand for your olive oil, salt, and pepper. Additionally, a sharp knife for chopping your onion and cutting the tomatoes is crucial. With all your tools within reach and your ingredients ready, you’re all set to create a comforting bowl of Roasted Tomato Soup with Herbs!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds Roma tomatoes
- 1 large yellow onion
- 6 cloves garlic (in skin)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your cooking adventure by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is essential for roasting the tomatoes to perfection. While the oven warms up, take your Roma tomatoes and slice them in half lengthwise. For the onion, simply chop it into rough chunks. As for the garlic, leave those cloves in their skins—this will help mellow their flavor as they roast.
Step 2: Roasting the Vegetables
Next, arrange the halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and garlic cloves on a large baking sheet. Drizzle the mixture generously with olive oil, which not only adds flavor but also aids in the roasting process. Finish this step by sprinkling salt and pepper over the veggies to bring out their natural flavors. Once everything is coated evenly, place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 35–40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is soft to the touch.
Step 3: Blending the Soup Base
After the vegetables have roasted, allow them to cool for a short time. This step is important—when the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and discard the skins. Transfer all the roasted vegetables into a large pot. Now it’s time to introduce your fresh herbs! Add the thyme and basil before pouring in the vegetable broth, which will help create a rich and flavorful soup. Simmer over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 4: Pureeing the Soup
Once your soup has simmered and the wonderful aromas fill your kitchen, it’s time to make it smooth and velvety. Remove the thyme sprigs (they will have done their job of infusing flavor), and using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer using a countertop blender, do this in batches, being careful not to overfill. Once blended, return to heat and taste the soup for seasoning. If you want to add richness, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk before serving. Heat gently for just a few more minutes, and it’s ready to enjoy!
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding cooked white beans or chickpeas for extra protein; they will blend beautifully with the soup.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during the roasting stage to diversify the flavor profile.
- Spices: If you want a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth.
Cooking Notes
- For a smoky flavor, try roasting the vegetables a bit longer until they get a charred edge.
- Make sure to adjust the salt based on your broth choice, as some can be saltier than others.
- This soup can be easily refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
- To make it vegan, omit the cream or use coconut milk instead.
- If you have any leftover soup, consider using it as a sauce for pasta – it’s delicious!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil before serving for added flavor.
Tips
- For an even creamier texture, you can add additional cream or coconut milk to your liking.
- If you have fresh basil, garnish your soup just before serving to enhance the fresh taste.
- Experiment with different types of tomatoes or even mixing in cherry tomatoes for added sweetness!
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end of cooking to ensure your soup is perfectly seasoned.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes, but the flavor will be different. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! This soup can be made in advance and frozen for easy meals later on. Just reheat gently on the stove.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this Roasted Tomato Soup is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
This Roasted Tomato Soup with Herbs is not just another recipe; it’s a delightful combination of warmth, flavor, and nutrition that everyone will appreciate. Easy to prepare and packed with health benefits, this soup is a go-to for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of comfort food. Don’t forget to get creative with it—experiment with different herbs, add proteins, or even use it as a base for other recipes. I’d love to hear how your version turns out, so please share your thoughts in the comments and don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your friends and family. Happy cooking!
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Roasted Tomato Soup with Fresh Herbs
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Roasted Tomato Soup with Herbs is rich, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds Roma tomatoes
- 1 large yellow onion
- 6 cloves garlic (in skin)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice Roma tomatoes in half, chop onion, and leave garlic in skins.
- Arrange halved tomatoes, chopped onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 35–40 minutes.
- Allow vegetables to cool, squeeze garlic out of skins, and transfer everything to a pot. Add thyme, basil, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Blend the soup to desired consistency, adjust seasoning, and stir in cream or coconut milk if desired.
Notes
For a smokier flavor, roast the vegetables longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
Nutrition
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 3 g