Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
7-8 large tomatoes, halved and seeded, 3-4 lbs
1 large onion, quartered, (2 small onions)
8-10 cloves garlic
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup cream
sugar to taste
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups hot chicken broth, optional, if desiring a thinner soup
Instructions:
Place halved tomatoes (or cherry/grape tomatoes), onions, and garlic (still in skins) on cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast tomatoes, onions, and garlic at 400 degrees for 25-35 minutes until tomato skins and onion edges begin to blacken.
Once roasted, pull tomato skins off. They should slip right off.
Blend tomatoes, onions, and garlic in blender (I absolutely love my Blendtec) or using an immersion blender until pureed.
Pour into stock pot and simmer on low while preparing basil.
Place basil in blender and puree. Add to simmering tomato base.
Add sugar (1 teaspoon at a time) until desired flavor is reached.
Add Parmesan cheese and cream.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
If soup is too thick and/or creamy for your preference, add up to 2 cups hot chicken broth.
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 256TOTAL FAT: 19gSATURATED FAT: 9gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 8gCHOLESTEROL: 45mgSODIUM: 674mgCARBOHYDRATES: 18gFIBER: 3gSUGAR: 10gPROTEIN: 7g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
While fresh tomatoes are preferred for this recipe, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute, especially if fresh tomatoes are out of season.
Just be sure to choose high-quality canned tomatoes without added seasonings.
Is it necessary to roast the tomatoes, onions, and garlic?
Roasting the vegetables enhances the flavor of the soup by caramelizing them.
It’s recommended to roast them as instructed, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still make a tasty tomato basil soup.
Can I use an alternative to cream for a lighter version of the soup?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream with alternatives like half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free milk like coconut milk.
Adjust the quantity to your taste.
What type of basil should I use for this recipe?
Fresh sweet basil is typically used for tomato basil soup.
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the tomatoes.
You can use other basil varieties, but sweet basil is the traditional choice.
Do I have to add chicken broth to the soup, or is it optional?
Adding chicken broth is optional and depends on your preference for the soup’s thickness.
If you want a thinner soup, you can add chicken broth, but it’s not necessary.
The soup will still be delicious without it.