Description
This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Ripe Roma tomatoes and garlic are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and depth, then blended into a smooth, velvety soup enriched with a touch of cream. The subtle seasoning of basil and optional red pepper flakes adds a lovely herbal and mild heat dimension, making it a delicious vegetarian option that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 head of garlic, top sliced off to expose cloves
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Garnish
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). On a baking sheet, arrange the halved Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, and the head of garlic with the top sliced off to expose the cloves.
- Season and roast: Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is golden and soft.
- Cool and blend: Let the roasted vegetables cool slightly. Squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins into a blender. Add the roasted tomatoes, onion, and any pan juices along with the vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Heat and finish: Pour the blended soup into a pot set over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for a cozy meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Add a handful of fresh basil to the blender for a more herbaceous flavor.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
