Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes (campari, plum, or any preferred variety)
- 1 full garlic head (about 6 cloves), peeled and smashed
- 1 white onion, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: cream (quantity not specified, estimate 1/4 cup for creaminess)
- Optional garnish: fresh croutons and parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Roast Vegetables: Arrange the tomatoes, smashed garlic cloves, and roughly chopped onion evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then drizzle the olive oil over the top. Roast in the oven for 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are well-roasted all over and aromatic, intensifying their flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and transfer them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the vegetable or chicken broth along with the fresh basil leaves. Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes to bring the flavors together.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your preferred consistency. You can keep some tomato chunks for texture or blend until completely smooth and creamy, based on your preference.
- Simmer and Enhance Flavor: Let the blended soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and deepen the flavor. If desired, stir in cream at this stage for added richness.
- Serve: Serve the hot tomato soup garnished with fresh croutons and grated parmesan cheese, or enjoy alongside a toasty grilled cheese sandwich for a classic pairing. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful tomato soup!
Notes
- Use a variety of fresh tomatoes for the best flavor; campari and plum tomatoes are great choices.
- Adjust the consistency of the soup by blending more or less according to your texture preference.
- Add cream for a richer, creamier soup, or leave it out for a lighter version.
- This soup pairs perfectly with grilled cheese or crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian