Tomato Soup

Ingredients

3 lbs tomatoes, fresh, cut into 2” pieces

½ onion diced (1 cup)

5 cloves garlic peeled and chopped

2 TBS olive oil

½ tsp fine sea salt

¼ freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup fresh basil

2 TBS salted butter

2 TBS all-purpose flour

1 TBS granulated sugar

1 quart vegetable broth

Optional: ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet, set aside.

Combine tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and stir until evenly distributed.

Spread tomato mixture onto prepared baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven, stir, and roast for an additional 15 minutes, broiling during the last 3 minutes so that some of the tomatoes get lightly charred.

Add roasted tomato mixture to the container of a high-powered blender, making sure to scrape all the contents of the baking sheet into the blender.

Add fresh basil and blend mixture on high speed until smooth (about 50 seconds).

In a large pot, melt butter over medium-high heat.

Add flour to melted butter and whisk to combine. Cook until butter and flour mixture is golden brown (30-60 seconds).

Add broth and sugar and whisk to combine.

Add blended mixture to the pot and whisk to combine. If desired (for a creamier soup) add ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream. Cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.

Serve warm with croutons, chopped fresh basil, etc.

Notes:

Store

Store any leftover roasted tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

How to freeze tomato soup

To freeze, let the soup cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the tomato soup to freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing it in individually-sized portions or at least in portions that you’d eat in a sitting as a family.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones for this tomato soup?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute for fresh ones.

Canned tomatoes can work well and are a convenient option, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season.

Do I have to broil the tomatoes during the last 3 minutes when roasting them?

Broiling the tomatoes for the last 3 minutes adds a nice charred flavor, but it’s optional.

If you prefer a milder taste, you can skip the broiling step.

Can I use a regular blender instead of a high-powered blender for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a regular blender, but a high-powered blender typically yields smoother results.

If using a regular blender, you may need to blend the soup in batches and exercise caution when blending hot liquids.

What’s the purpose of adding sugar to the soup?

The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.

It’s a common practice in tomato soup recipes.

Is heavy cream necessary, or can I omit it for a lighter version?

Heavy cream is optional. If you prefer a lighter version of the soup, you can omit it.

The soup will still be delicious without the cream, and it’s a matter of personal preference.

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this soup, or is it best to stick with the suggested ones?

While fresh tomatoes work best, you can experiment with different tomato varieties.

Some may have slightly varying flavors and textures, but it’s an opportunity to customize the soup to your liking.

What can I use instead of vegetable broth if I don’t have it on hand?

If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use chicken broth or even water as a substitute.

Just be aware that using water may result in a milder flavor, so you might need to adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Is there a way to make this tomato soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this soup by using a gluten-free flour or a thickening agent like cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.

Ensure that other ingredients used are also gluten-free.

Can I make this soup in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make the soup in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

It often tastes even better after flavors have melded, making it a great option for meal prep.

Can I freeze this tomato soup?

Yes, you can freeze this tomato soup. Allow it to cool, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

When reheating, you may need to adjust the consistency with additional broth or cream if necessary.