This homemade tomato soup recipe is packed with roasted Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream for a rich, smooth texture. Perfect for a cozy, comforting meal, this classic creamy tomato soup is easy to prepare and loaded with natural flavors. Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for serving with grilled cheese or crusty bread. Make it vegetarian or vegan with simple substitutions. Whether you’re meal-prepping, freezing for later, or looking for a quick dinner, this tomato basil soup is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the Roma tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the tomatoes for about 45 minutes, until they’re softened and slightly caramelized.
- While the tomatoes roast, melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and thyme and continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the canned crushed tomatoes, fresh and dried basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Lower the heat to medium or medium-low, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the roasted tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended soup back into the pot, and stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic tomato soup recipe is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor from the roasted Roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for cozy days, it’s simple to make and tastes amazing with grilled cheese or a crusty loaf of bread.
Tips
- Roasting the tomatoes brings out a deep, sweet flavor—don’t skip this step!
- For an extra smooth texture, strain the soup after blending.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easy blending.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cream and butter, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Herbs: Try adding fresh oregano or a pinch of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but roasting fresh tomatoes adds a depth of flavor that canned alone may lack.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, garlic bread, or croutons. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dollop of pesto for added flavor. Enjoy!
Tomato Soup Recipe
4
servings10
minutes1
hour20
minutesIngredients
1 ½ pounds Roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
2/3 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the Roma tomato halves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the tomatoes for about 45 minutes, until they’re softened and slightly caramelized.
- While the tomatoes roast, melt the butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and thyme and continue to sauté for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the canned crushed tomatoes, fresh and dried basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Lower the heat to medium or medium-low, and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the roasted tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the soup for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended soup back into the pot, and stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated.
- Allow the soup to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.
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