Description
A comforting roasted tomato basil soup made from fresh roma tomatoes, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 9 roma tomatoes, sliced lengthwise
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- Small bread pieces, cut into cubes
- Olive oil, as needed
- Minced garlic, as needed
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the sliced roma tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Toss them gently to ensure even coating and arrange them in a single layer.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they blister and caramelize.
- While the tomatoes roast, heat the butter and remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chopped thyme, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and add them to the pot. Include the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, sugar, and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for 15-20 minutes.
- Set the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Remove from the heat, and stir in the fresh basil. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup in batches to a blender, blending until smooth.
- For the small bread pieces, toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt. Toast in a skillet until golden brown.
- Serve the soup warm, garnished with chopped fresh basil and crunchy bread pieces on top.
Notes
For deeper flavor, roast garlic with the tomatoes. Adjust sugar to taste if tomatoes are acidic.
