Roasted Tomato Basil Delight

$For a rich and tasty roasted tomato basil soup, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Each item adds its own unique flavor. Here’s what you will need: - 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved - 1 medium onion, quartered - 4 cloves garlic, peeled - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) These ingredients come together to create a warm and comforting dish. The ripe tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy taste, while the onion and garlic add depth. Fresh basil gives the soup a bright, herbal note. Olive oil helps meld all the flavors while keeping the soup silky. Vegetable broth forms the base, making the soup hearty and nourishing. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, making the soup even more exciting. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish a favorite for many. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven. Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the soup cook evenly. 2. Tossing the vegetables. In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and peeled garlic. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the veggies are coated. 3. Spreading on the baking sheet. Pour the tossed vegetables onto a baking sheet. Spread them in a single layer. This helps them roast nicely. 1. Duration and temperature details. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes. 2. Signs of perfect roasting. Look for caramelized tomatoes and soft veggies. They should smell sweet and inviting. 1. Combining with broth. After roasting, remove the baking sheet and let it cool a bit. Then, in a large pot, add the roasted vegetables and 4 cups of vegetable broth. 2. Blending techniques. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. If you like it chunkier, blend just a bit. 3. Adjusting seasoning. Taste your soup. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat if you want. To boost the taste of your roasted tomato basil soup, consider adding a few extra seasonings. A pinch of cumin or a dash of smoked paprika can add warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano work well, too. For a fun twist, try stirring in a spoonful of pesto just before serving. When serving, pair your soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A sprinkle of croutons or a swirl of cream can add a nice touch. If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes are a great option. Use high-quality whole or diced tomatoes. Instead of fresh basil, dried basil works in a pinch. Just remember to use less, as dried herbs are stronger. For dietary needs, swap vegetable broth with chicken broth if you prefer. You can also make it gluten-free by ensuring your broth is certified gluten-free. For this recipe, you will need a baking sheet to roast your vegetables. A large pot is essential for simmering the soup. The star tool here is the immersion blender. It lets you blend the soup right in the pot, which cuts down on cleanup. Blending is key to getting that smooth texture. It’s best for achieving the perfect consistency without transferring hot soup to a blender. Pro Tips Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your soup heavily depends on the quality of tomatoes. Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best taste. Don't Skip the Roasting: Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup, so don’t rush this step! Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream after blending. Serve with Crusty Bread: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make this soup creamy. Just add a cup of heavy cream after blending. Cream gives the soup a rich taste. For a lighter option, use coconut milk. This works great for dairy-free diets. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the pot. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also use jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice. These add a kick without ruining the tomato flavor. Adding grains makes this soup more filling. Consider stirring in cooked rice or quinoa. Both add fiber and protein. This way, you can turn your soup into a full meal. Plus, they enhance the soup's texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. You want to let it cool down first. Once cooled, seal it tight. The soup will last up to five days in the fridge. If you see any mold or off smells, throw it away. Freezing is a great option for this soup. First, let it cool completely. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay good for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. You can reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, pour it into a pot and heat over low to medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the soup smooth and tasty. Enjoy your comforting bowl of soup! Yes, you can use canned tomatoes. Choose whole or diced tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are great for flavor. They also save time. Just drain any excess liquid before using them. The soup lasts about 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before putting it away. This helps keep the flavor fresh. Yes, this soup is vegan-friendly. It contains no animal products. You can enjoy it without worrying about dairy or meat. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better after a day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. Serve this soup with crusty bread. Grilled cheese sandwiches pair well too. You can also add a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your comforting dish! This blog post guides you through making a delicious roasted tomato basil soup. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for enhancing flavor. You learned about variations, storage tips, and answered common questions about the recipe. Now, you can enjoy a tasty and healthy dish that fits your needs. Use this recipe to impress friends and family or simply treat yourself. Cooking can be fun and easy, so start making your soup today!$

Roasted Tomato Basil Delight

A delicious and comforting roasted tomato soup infused with fresh basil.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
1 medium onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, peeled
3 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Salt
to taste pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Spread the vegetable mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are caramelized and soft.
Remove the sheet from the oven and let it cool slightly.
In a large pot, combine the roasted vegetable mixture and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Add the fresh basil leaves and balsamic vinegar to the pot. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend to your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optionally, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil sprigs.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.

Keyword basil, roasted, soup, tomato