Hey there, fellow foodies! Today, I'm sharing a recipe that's as comforting as a cozy blanket on a chilly day – Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. It's a classic, and for good reason. Let's dive into this warm, tomatoey embrace.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Soup:
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance the acidity)
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Roast Those Tomatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking pan, toss the chunks of ripe tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until they're all beautifully caramelized and smelling divine.
Step 2: Blend and Smoothify
- Once your roasted tomato mixture has cooled a bit, blend it until it's silky-smooth. If you like it a little chunky, that's totally cool too.
Step 3: Into the Pot
- Pour your blended tomato goodness into a big pot. Add in the canned diced tomatoes, sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes), and your choice of chicken or vegetable broth.
Step 4: Simmer and Infuse
- Let it all simmer together for about 15-20 minutes. This is where the flavors get to know each other and become BFFs.
Step 5: Basil Bliss
- Stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves. Ah, that fresh basil aroma is just something else!
Step 6: Creamy Dreamy
- Time to make it creamy. Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Keep stirring until it's all well combined.
Step 7: Season with Love
- Don't forget to season your soup with salt and pepper. Taste as you go, and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 8: Serve and Savor
- Ladle this velvety goodness into your favorite soup bowls. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil if you're feeling fancy. It's like a little green hat for your soup.
Step 9: Enjoy the Hug
- Grab a crusty piece of bread or a handful of oyster crackers and dunk away. This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is like a warm hug for your soul.
So there you have it, a simple yet soul-warming recipe that's perfect for those days when you need a little extra love from your kitchen. Serve it up for lunch, dinner, or whenever you crave a bowl of pure comfort.
Enjoy every spoonful of this homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. It's a classic that never goes out of style. Happy cooking! 🍅🌿