master-cooks | Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

This Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for chilly days. The soup begins with ripe tomatoes, ideally fresh from the garden or farmer's market, which are roasted to perfection along with garlic and onions. Roasting these ingredients enhances their natural sweetness and imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the soup. Once roasted, the tomatoes, garlic, and onions are blended into a smooth puree, creating a velvety base for the soup. To achieve its creamy consistency, a splash of cream or a generous dollop of Greek yogurt is added, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of richness. Herbs such as basil or thyme, along with a hint of black pepper, elevate the soup's aroma and taste, infusing it with a delightful herbal note. This soup is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a hearty dinner when paired with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. The result is a soul-warming bowl of soup that celebrates the classic combination of tomatoes and cream, delivering comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Gather the ingredients for this creamy roasted tomato soup

To prepare this recipe, begin by selecting some vine-ripened tomatoes. While you're in the produce section, don't forget to pick up an onion, garlic, and fresh basil. For the soup base, we'll be using a mix of vegetable broth and heavy cream. Lastly, take a look in your pantry for some essentials: olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, and dried thyme.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set the oven temperature to 400°F.

Step 2: Prepare the tomatoes for roasting

Combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and pepper in a large bowl and mix well.

Step 3: Roast the tomatoes

Evenly distribute this mixture onto a large baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Step 4: Blend the vegetables

Combine the roasted tomatoes, broth, and basil in a large blender and blend until smooth.

Step 5: Add the final ingredients

Pour the blended soup back into a large pot and incorporate the remaining salt, sugar, thyme, and cream, stirring well. Let it simmer on low heat for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve the soup

The velvety roasted tomato soup is prepared and ready to be served. Add fresh basil on top for a delightful garnish.

How can I customize this roasted tomato soup?

Since tomatoes are the star of this soup, you have some leeway in choosing the type of tomatoes to use. "I've opted for tomatoes on the vine because they are usually harvested at full ripeness. This ensures they have maximum flavor and their natural sugars are at their sweetest. They also tend to be juicier, which helps maintain the right moisture level during roasting, preventing the tomatoes from drying out. However, if your local store doesn't have them or if you grow your own tomatoes, feel free to use other varieties," Hahn notes.

If you have dietary restrictions, there are several adjustments you can make. For instance, if you're following a sugar-restricted diet, you can either omit the sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. If you're looking for a vegan option, simply replace the heavy cream with any dairy-free milk, or you can skip the cream entirely.

What can I pair with the roasted tomato soup?

Serve up slices of crusty artisan bread, homemade garlic bread, or even cheesy air fryer garlic bread for dipping into the soup. The delightful contrast of textures and flavors is truly wonderful. Adding homemade or store-bought croutons brings a satisfying crunch and extra flavor to the dish. You might also consider making croutons with various seasonings or herbs for a bit of variety.

For a well-rounded and satisfying meal, a classic pairing like a grilled cheese sandwich with gooey, melted cheese and crispy bread is an ideal match for creamy tomato soup. To elevate your grilled cheese, try using coconut oil instead of butter for an irresistibly crispy crust. Alternatively, many swear by substituting butter with mayo for a truly divine grilled cheese experience. Feel free to get creative by adding ingredients like bacon, avocado, or caramelized onions to your sandwich.

Naturally, any standard protein will complement the soup nicely, and vegetarian options such as lentil loaf, seared tofu, or barbecued tempeh are excellent choices as well. You can also stir cooked lentils into the soup for a plant-based protein boost, with red or brown lentils being particularly suitable for this purpose.

How can I store and reheat tomato soup leftovers?

If you have any remaining creamy tomato soup, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you used a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk, the leftovers can last even longer—up to 5 to 7 days. You also have the option to freeze the soup, which will remain good for up to one month. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving at least an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. In fact, you might want to consider preparing a double batch, as this roasted tomato soup is a tasty and convenient choice to pull from the freezer whenever you need a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the year.

To reheat leftovers, you can use either the microwave or stovetop. If the soup is frozen, it's best to transfer it to the refrigerator the night before you plan to use it to allow for proper thawing. Hahn recommends not leaving it out on the counter for more than an hour. If you've frozen the soup in a mason jar, you can speed up the thawing process by placing the jar in a pot of boiling water.

Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe