Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the whole garlic bulb, slice the top off to expose the cloves, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap it in aluminum foil and roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the cloves are soft.
Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Stir to combine.
Blend: After the garlic has roasted, let it cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic from the skins into the pot. Bring the soup mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
Puree: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully puree in batches using a regular blender.
Finishing Touches: If desired, stir in the heavy cream for a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
This roasted garlic tomato soup is the perfect comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and full of robust flavors. The roasted garlic adds a sweet, nutty flavor that elevates the traditional tomato soup to something special. Whether you enjoy it on a chilly day or serve it as an elegant starter, this soup is sure to please. It’s not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Nutritional Benefits
Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, making them wonderful for your immune system and skin health. Garlic is known for its many health benefits, including its ability to boost heart health and fight infections. The olive oil provides healthy fats, while using fresh basil can add antioxidants. Overall, this soup is a nourishing meal that can support your well-being.
What to Serve With Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic combo that never fails! The gooey cheese goes perfectly with the tangy soup.
Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping. A baguette or sourdough works well.
Salad: A fresh side salad can balance the meal, adding texture and nutrients.
Cheese Toast: Simple yet effective, cheesy toast adds a crunchy element that complements the smooth soup.
How to Store Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Rush the Roasting: Roasting garlic until it is soft is key. It adds a sweet flavor rather than a sharp taste.
Blend Carefully: When blending hot soup, allow it to cool slightly, or use an immersion blender to avoid spills.
Adjust Seasonings: Everyone’s taste is different. Don’t hesitate to taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
Avoid Canned Tomatoes with Additives: Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
Variations
Feel free to customize your soup with these variations:
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to introduce a little heat.
Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a vegan-friendly soup.
Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider throwing in diced carrots or bell peppers along with the onions.
FAQs
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely! Roasted garlic tomato soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste while cooking or use less broth.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil is not available, you can substitute it with dried basil. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are stronger in flavor.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. For the best results, use about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes, and simmer them until soft before blending.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
Yes, this soup is mild and creamy, making it kid-friendly. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables!
With this simple and delightful roasted garlic tomato soup recipe, you can enjoy a bowl of comfort anytime. The rich flavors and health benefits make it a wonderful choice for family dinners or meal prep. So grab your ingredients and start cooking!
A rich and creamy roasted garlic tomato soup that elevates the traditional flavor with sweet roasted garlic and fresh basil, perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
1 whole garlic bulb
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the whole garlic bulb, slice the top off to expose the cloves, and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap it in aluminum foil and roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the cloves are soft.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and dried basil. Stir to combine.
Cool the roasted garlic slightly after removing it from the oven. Squeeze the roasted garlic from the skins into the pot. Bring the soup mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20 minutes.
Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or by carefully pureeing in batches with a regular blender.
Stir in the heavy cream if desired for a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
Notes
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.