Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil Garlic Croutons
Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup With Basil Garlic Cro
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something comforting? This tomato soup recipe will deliver! It's more than just a basic bowl. We're talking rich, roasted tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Brief Overview
Tomato soup has a long history as a staple. Many cultures enjoy it. This version takes about an hour. It makes about 4-6 servings.
Main Benefits
The best tomato soup is packed with nutrients. Tomato soup is perfect for a cold day. This creamy tomato soup is special because of the roasted tomato soup flavor.
Ready to Make Magic? Let's Talk Tomato Soup !
Honestly, who doesn't love tomato soup ? It's one of those dishes that just screams comfort. We're not talking about the stuff from a tin, though.
We are talking a homemade tomato soup that's got depth, richness and flavor that will knock your socks off.
What makes this tomato soup recipe a winner? Roasting the tomatoes. That's the secret. Roasting brings out this amazing sweetness that you just can't get any other way.
Plus, we're adding garlic croutons recipe and delicious fresh basil.
This easy tomato soup recipe takes about an hour all in, not bad right? Perfect for a weekend lunch or a cosy weeknight dinner.
And guess what? You can make it vegan too! Just swap the cream for coconut cream. BOOM. Vegan tomato soup .
Now everyone can play.
Let's dive into how we transform simple tomatoes into a gourmet tomato soup .
Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this creamy tomato soup happen. Honestly, it's not as scary as it sounds.
Trust me, if I can do it, you can too! We're aiming for the best tomato soup ever, so quality ingredients are key.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) Roma Tomatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1 large Yellow Onion, quartered
- 4 cloves Garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 4 cups (950 ml) Vegetable Broth, low sodium
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for dairy free)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped (for garnish)
The tomatoes are the star, right? So get the reddest, ripest Romas you can find. They should smell amazing. I once tried making tomato soup with those pale, tasteless supermarket ones.
Big mistake! It tasted like... well, nothing.
- For the Croutons:
- 4 slices Sourdough Bread, crusts removed, cubed
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, extra virgin
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (5g) Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
- Pinch of Salt
For the croutons, sourdough's the way to go. But hey, use what you've got. Old bread that’s going stale will do the trick. We don't want any waste!
Seasoning Notes
- Essential spice combinations: Oregano + Red Pepper Flakes = Italian vibes.
- Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Fresh garlic, you know? Don't be shy!
- Quick substitution options: Dried basil if you're out of fresh. But honestly, fresh is always better.
Don’t be afraid to play around with the seasoning. A little smoked paprika can add a real depth of flavour to your roasted tomato soup , too. Just a pinch!
Equipment Needed
- Large Roasting Pan
- High Speed Blender (or immersion blender)
- Large Pot
- Baking Sheet
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this easy tomato soup recipe . A decent blender is handy for that creamy tomato soup texture.
If you have an immersion blender, even better less washing up!
And that’s it. The kit and kaboodle. Now we're ready to cook up some magic , and make some homemade tomato soup !
Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup: Like a Warm Hug
Honestly, who doesn't love tomato soup ? It's like a culinary security blanket. But let's ditch the canned stuff and make something amazing .
My homemade tomato soup is a game changer. Roasting the tomatoes? Chefs kiss! Ready to level up your soup game?
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place
First things first, let's get organised. Chop your 2.5 lbs Roma tomatoes in half. Quarter 1 large yellow onion.
Peel 4 cloves of garlic. Grab 4 slices of sourdough for those amazing garlic croutons recipe . Get your 2 tablespoons of olive oil ready.
Having everything prepped saves so much time. Trust me on this one.
Step-by-Step: From Roast to Bowl
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Toss tomatoes, onion, and garlic with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave).
- Roast for 40 minutes . The tomatoes should be soft and starting to caramelize. This is where the magic happens!
- While the veggies roast, make the croutons. Toss bread cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/4 cup basil, and a pinch of salt. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 8- 10 minutes . Watch them carefully!
- Blend the roasted veggies with 4 cups vegetable broth. Be careful blending hot liquids! Vent the lid!
- Pour the blended soup into a pot and simmer.
- Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes .
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and basil croutons .
Pro Tips: Secrets to Souperior Soup
Roasting is key to roasted tomato soup . Don't rush it! It brings out the sweetness. Avoid overcooking the soup after adding cream, or it might curdle.
Nobody wants curdled soup! For a vegan tomato soup , use coconut cream instead. I accidentally almost burn the croutons once, so now I set a timer on my phone and always watch them.
So do not do that!
Honestly, this easy tomato soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. It's like the best tomato soup you've ever had, but you made it yourself! I hope it warms your soul.
Recipe Notes for Next Level Tomato Soup
Alright, you've got the recipe for this ridiculously good creamy roasted tomato soup , but let's chat about a few things.
This isn't just following instructions, its about making it your best tomato soup . Honestly, these tips are game changers.
Serving Suggestions
Plating and Presentation Ideas: Okay, ditch the boring bowl! Think rustic charm. Ladle that homemade tomato soup into a cute earthenware bowl.
A drizzle of cream and a sprinkle of fresh basil? Chef's kiss! For extra fancy pants, try a swirl of pesto.
And those basil croutons ? Scatter them like edible jewels!
Complementary Sides or Beverages: A grilled cheese sandwich is always a winner. Extra mature cheddar for me, please! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness.
As for drinks? A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a sparkling water with a lemon wedge work perfectly.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration Guidelines: If you've got leftovers (lucky you!), let the gourmet tomato soup cool completely before popping it into an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reckon it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing Options (if applicable): Yep, you can freeze it! Pour the cooled soup into freezer safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion.
It'll happily stay frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: Gently reheat the easy tomato soup recipe on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Don't let it boil after adding any extra cream! Microwaving works too, but stovetop is always best.
Variations
Dietary Adaptations: For a vegan tomato soup , just swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. Seriously, it works wonders! Gluten free? Make sure your bread for the garlic croutons recipe is GF certified.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, try using sun-ripened heirloom tomatoes. They're bursting with flavor! In the winter, a pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth and depth, creating a perfect roasted tomato soup .
Nutrition Basics
Simplified Nutrition Information: Let's be real, this isn't exactly a health food. But hey, it's packed with vitamin C and lycopene from the tomatoes! We're talking about antioxidants, so it's basically fighting off wrinkles while you enjoy every spoonful.
Key Health Benefits: Tomato soup can be a comforting source of vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are known to be good for the heart.
Homemade goodness is always better than the canned stuff, right?
Honestly, this tomato soup recipe is a labour of love. With a bit of care, you will get rewarded with something absolutely delicious.
Have fun making it your own, and don't be afraid to experiment! Now, go get your soup on!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tomato soup recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Tomato soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. Think of it like a fine wine, it gets better with age!
How can I make this creamy tomato soup vegan?
No worries, going vegan is easy with this recipe! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream. Make sure you also use a vegetable broth that is certified vegan, as some may contain animal products. You won't miss the dairy, I promise!
What if I don't have fresh basil for the tomato soup or the croutons?
While fresh basil adds a lovely bright flavour, dried basil can be used in a pinch. For the soup, use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of fresh, adding it during the simmering stage. For the croutons, you can also use dried basil, but fresh is always best when possible.
It's like comparing a cup of tea to a full afternoon tea service - both are tea, but one is just a bit more special.
My tomato soup is too acidic! How can I fix it?
A common problem! A pinch of baking soda can neutralize the acidity. Add a very small pinch at a time, stirring well and tasting after each addition, until the soup reaches your desired balance. You can also add a touch more cream (or coconut cream) to mellow out the flavour.
Remember, a little goes a long way, so add it slowly! Think of it as fine tuning a musical instrument, small adjustments make a big difference.
Can I freeze this homemade tomato soup?
Yes, you can! Allow the tomato soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Note that the texture might change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious. It's like pressing pause on a movie, you can always pick it up later!
What's the best way to serve this roasted tomato soup?
This tomato soup is incredibly versatile! For a comforting lunch or dinner, serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a side salad. For a more elegant presentation, add a swirl of basil pesto or a dollop of crème fraîche. Don't forget the garlic basil croutons for that extra crunch and flavor!
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and enjoy!
