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Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Close-up of a creamy, bright red bowl of tomato basil soup garnished with fresh basil leaves.

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You can make this rich, velvety tomato basil soup at home. Roasting the tomatoes first deepens the flavor, creating a restaurant-quality experience that is perfect for pairing with grilled cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs ripe tomatoes (like Roma or vine-ripened)
  • 1 large yellow onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius).
  2. Place the tomatoes, onion quarters, and unpeeled garlic cloves on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are slightly blistered and softened. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins.
  4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the roasted tomatoes, onions, and peeled garlic to the pot.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil leaves.
  7. Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until completely smooth and velvety. Work in batches if using a standard blender, ensuring the lid is vented to allow steam to escape.
  8. Return the pureed soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the optional sugar. Heat through gently; do not boil after adding the cream.
  9. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil. This soup is the best soup for grilled cheese.

Notes

  • For a Panera style tomato soup texture, use an immersion blender until the soup is perfectly smooth.
  • If your tomatoes are very acidic, increase the sugar slightly to balance the flavor.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the vegetable broth with chicken broth.

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