This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. With its rich, velvety texture and deep flavors from the roasted garlic and tomatoes, it’s perfect for cozy nights, light lunches, or as an elegant appetizer. The combination of fresh ingredients makes this soup a standout choice for any occasion, offering a homemade touch that elevates your meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and garlic, creating a deeply flavorful soup.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter, pair it with a salad for lunch, or enjoy it on its own for dinner.
- Customizable: Adjust the creaminess with dairy or coconut milk, and add spices to suit your taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh tomatoes and basil, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand can be incredibly helpful.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Immersion blender
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large pot
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Immersion blender: Allows for easy blending without transferring hot soup to a separate blender.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for roasting vegetables evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened), halved
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes
Arrange the halved tomatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Roast Garlic
Cut the top off the head of garlic. Drizzle it with another tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap it in foil and place it on the baking sheet alongside the tomatoes.
Step 4: Roast Everything Together
Roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes are caramelized and the garlic is soft. Let them cool slightly after roasting.
Step 5: Sauté Onions
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the pot. Add in the roasted tomatoes, broth, and fresh basil leaves.
Step 7: Blend for Smoothness
Use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer batches to a countertop blender.
Step 8: Add Cream
Return the blended mixture to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 9: Serve Warm
Serve your creamy tomato soup warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of cream if desired. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Here are some suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Pair with a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of the soup. Use sharp cheddar for a delicious contrast.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Add a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
- A sweet and tangy balsamic glaze can elevate the dish, adding depth to every spoonful.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- A slice of rustic bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Top with Crispy Bacon Bits
- For those who enjoy extra crunch, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for added texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
To ensure your Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose ripe tomatoes: Using fresh, ripe tomatoes will enhance sweetness and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your palate.
- Use homemade broth: If possible, opt for homemade vegetable or chicken broth for a richer taste.
- Blend thoroughly: For the smoothest texture, blend until completely silky using an immersion blender or standard blender.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Pairing side dishes with your soup can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil make a refreshing accompaniment.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of delicious soup.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: Melted cheese in crispy tortillas provides comfort alongside your creamy tomato soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer an elegant touch that pairs well with this comforting dish.
- Vegetable Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini or carrots add a delightful crunch and additional veggies to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup can be a joy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Over-roasting the garlic: While roasting enhances flavor, too much time in the oven can make garlic bitter. Roast until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a vibrant taste. Don’t skip it; add it just before blending for maximum flavor.
- Using canned tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide better flavor and texture. Opt for ripe, seasonal tomatoes for the best results.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust with salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar to balance flavors.
- Neglecting to blend thoroughly: For a creamy consistency, ensure you blend until completely smooth. This step is key to achieving that velvety texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor.
Freezing Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While you can use dried herbs, fresh basil provides a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the amount since they are more concentrated.
How can I make this soup vegan?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Ensure your broth is vegetable-based for a fully vegan option.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal due to their sweetness and low moisture content, making them perfect for roasting.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is not only comforting but also versatile enough for various occasions. With its rich flavors and smooth texture, it’s perfect as a cozy dinner or an elegant starter. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch!
Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is a warm, comforting dish that embodies the essence of homemade goodness. This velvety soup features the rich flavors of roasted garlic and ripe tomatoes, making it perfect for cozy evenings or elegant gatherings. Easy to prepare, this recipe utilizes fresh ingredients and simple steps, ensuring that both novice and experienced cooks can create a delightful meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with grilled cheese, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting/Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened), halved
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange halved tomatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with remaining oil, wrap in foil, and place on the baking sheet.
- Roast tomatoes and garlic for 30-35 minutes until caramelized; cool slightly.
- In a large pot over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Squeeze roasted garlic into the pot, add roasted tomatoes, broth, and basil.
- Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or countertop blender.
- Stir in heavy cream (or coconut milk) and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or a drizzle of cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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