Description
Roasted tomato basil soup elevates classic comfort with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Rich San Marzano tomatoes blend seamlessly with fresh basil, creating a velvety experience you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
- 1 28 oz (794 g) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, minced
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Tomato Preparation: Halve tomatoes and spread on a roasting tray, drizzling generously with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper to amplify flavor profiles.
- Roasting Process: Caramelize tomatoes in a preheated 375°F oven until they develop a deep, rich mahogany color, approximately one hour.
- Aromatics Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sautéing onions until translucent and gently golden, then introduce minced garlic, thyme, and complementary seasonings to release their aromatic essence.
- Flavor Layering: Combine crushed tomatoes with fresh basil and a hint of sugar to counterbalance acidity, then integrate roasted tomatoes and chicken stock, allowing the mixture to simmer and harmonize flavors.
- Texture Refinement: Utilize an immersion blender to transform the soup into a velvety, uniform consistency, eliminating any remaining chunks and creating a smooth liquid base.
- Creamy Enhancement: Fold in heavy cream to elevate the soup’s luxurious texture and add a subtle richness to the overall flavor profile.
- Crouton Crafting: Cube bread and toss with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh basil leaves, then crisp in a hot oven until achieving a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Plating and Serving: Ladle the soup into warm bowls, garnishing with herb-infused croutons and presenting immediately to preserve optimal temperature and taste experience.
Notes
- Roast for Maximum Flavor: Caramelize tomatoes slowly at 375°F for an hour to develop deep, rich taste and concentrated sweetness.
- Aromatics are Essential: Sauté onions and garlic until translucent to create a robust flavor foundation for the soup.
- Balance Acidity Carefully: Add a pinch of sugar to neutralize the tomatoes’ sharp edges and create a harmonious taste profile.
- Texture Matters: Use an immersion blender to achieve a silky-smooth consistency, eliminating any unwanted chunks for a refined soup experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg