Gourmet Roasted Tomato Basil Soup with Parmesan Crisp
Indulge in this velvety roasted tomato basil soup, enriched with the depth of caramelized garlic, sweet onions, and a dash of cream for a luxurious finish. Perfect as an elegant starter for a dinner party when topped with a delicate Parmesan wafer, or as a comforting dish served with crusty artisan bread for a cozy family gathering. This recipe, featured in Gourmet magazine, will elevate any dining occasion with its vibrant flavors and irresistible aroma.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
4 lbs (halved lengthwise)
Garlic
6 cloves (left unpeeled)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (crumbled)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (to balance acidity)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (for sauteing)
Chicken stock or low sodium chicken broth
3 cups (for the base)
Heavy cream
1/2 cup (for a creamy finish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Gourmet Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
The main ingredient is 4 lbs of tomatoes, halved lengthwise and roasted.
How should I prepare the garlic for roasting?
The 6 garlic cloves should be left unpeeled while roasting to prevent them from burning and to caramelize the insides.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to this soup?
Two teaspoons of sugar are added to balance the natural acidity of the roasted tomatoes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken stock or low sodium chicken broth with an equal amount of high-quality vegetable broth.
How do I achieve a velvety texture for the soup?
The velvety finish is achieved by blending the roasted ingredients and adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one medium onion, finely chopped and sautéed in unsalted butter.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The soup itself is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken stock is certified gluten-free. Avoid serving with bread to maintain this.
What garnish is suggested for an elegant presentation?
A delicate Parmesan wafer or crisp is recommended as a garnish for an elegant dinner party presentation.
What is the role of dried oregano in this recipe?
Dried oregano provides an earthy, herbaceous depth that complements the roasted tomato and basil flavors.
How much olive oil is needed for roasting?
Three tablespoons of olive oil are used for drizzling over the tomatoes and garlic before roasting.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, but use about 1.5 teaspoons of fresh oregano to replace the 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano as fresh herbs are less concentrated.
What should I serve with this soup for a cozy family meal?
It is delicious when served with warm, crusty artisan bread for dipping.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 primary ingredients listed for this gourmet soup.
Do I need to peel the roasted garlic after it comes out of the oven?
Yes, once roasted, the garlic cloves will be soft and can be easily squeezed out of their skins into the soup base.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but the recipe specifies unsalted butter to better control the sodium levels; adjust your added salt accordingly.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of chicken stock or low sodium chicken broth.
What kind of tomatoes are best for roasting?
While not specified, meaty tomatoes like Romas or San Marzanos are generally best for roasting due to their lower water content.
Can this soup be frozen?
Yes, though it is best to freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream. Add the cream during reheating after the soup has thawed.
How do I make the Parmesan crisp?
Though the recipe focuses on the soup, Parmesan crisps are typically made by baking small mounds of grated Parmesan cheese until golden.
Is the basil mentioned in the tags used fresh?
While the ingredient list mentions dried oregano, tomato basil soup typically incorporates fresh basil during the blending or simmering stage.
What is the prep for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be halved lengthwise before being drizzled with oil and roasted.
Can I use a blender for this soup?
Yes, an immersion blender or a standard upright blender can be used to process the roasted vegetables and stock into a smooth liquid.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the finely chopped onions in butter until they are soft and translucent before adding the other ingredients.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This specific version of the recipe was featured in Gourmet magazine.
Can I make this soup vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with olive oil, use vegetable stock, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
Why roast the tomatoes instead of boiling them?
Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes, providing a much deeper and more complex flavor than boiling.
Is this soup spicy?
No, it is a savory and sweet soup. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a kick.
What size of onion is needed?
The recipe calls for one medium-sized onion.
Does the recipe use black pepper?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How much heavy cream is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of heavy cream to create a rich, luxurious finish.