Roasted Tomato and Basil Bliss Soup
Savor the rich and vibrant flavors of our Roasted Tomato and Basil Bliss Soup. This delightful blend of ripe Roma tomatoes and sun-dried tomato paste is infused with the sweetness of roasted red onions and garlic, balanced beautifully with a hint of balsamic vinegar and sugar. The roasting process intensifies the flavors, making each spoonful a warm hug for the soul. Perfect as a starter or a light meal, this soup is finished with a dollop of creamy crème fraîche and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a touch of elegance. Whether you're using fresh tomatoes from your garden or opting for canned varieties, this comforting soup is sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe Roma tomatoes
2 1/2-3 lbs (peeled and halved)
Red onion
1 small (quartered)
Garlic cloves
3 (peeled and left whole)
Chicken or vegetable stock
1 2/3 cups
Sun-dried tomato paste
3 tablespoons
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Balsamic vinegar
2-3 tablespoons
Sugar
2-3 teaspoons
Fresh basil leaves
small handful (plus extra for garnish)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Toasted cheese croutes
to serve
Crème fraîche
to serve
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the tomatoes for peeling: use a sharp knife to cut a small cross in the base of each tomato. Bring a pot of water to boil, then plunge the tomatoes into it for 30 seconds before transferring them to a bowl of ice water. Once cooled, peel off the skins and slice the tomatoes in half.
2
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
3
Arrange the halved tomatoes cut-side down in the prepared dish. Scatter the quartered red onion and whole garlic cloves over the tomatoes.
4
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the assembled ingredients and roast them in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
5
After roasting, carefully transfer the tomato, onion, and garlic mixture into a blender. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture into a saucepan.
6
Stir in the chicken or vegetable broth, sun-dried tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and the small handful of fresh basil leaves. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Allow the soup to simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
8
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with toasted cheese croutes and a generous spoonful of crème fraîche. Finish with a few fresh basil leaves for an attractive presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Roasted Tomato and Basil Bliss Soup?
The main ingredients include 2 1/2-3 lbs of Ripe Roma tomatoes, red onion, garlic cloves, chicken or vegetable stock, sun-dried tomato paste, and fresh basil leaves.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Ripe Roma tomatoes are recommended for their flavor and texture when roasted.
How do I peel the tomatoes for this soup?
Cut a small cross in the base, boil for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to easily peel off the skins.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long should I roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic?
Roast the vegetables for 45 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
What is the role of balsamic vinegar in this soup?
Balsamic vinegar provides a hint of acidity and sweetness to balance the roasted flavors.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
Sugar is used to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes and the balsamic vinegar.
How much sun-dried tomato paste is required?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato paste to intensify the tomato flavor.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either 1 2/3 cups of chicken or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How should the red onion be prepared?
One small red onion should be quartered before roasting.
How many garlic cloves are used in the soup?
The recipe uses 3 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole during roasting.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency for the soup?
After roasting, transfer the tomato, onion, and garlic mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.
How long should the soup simmer on the stove?
Allow the soup to simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to combine the flavors.
What are the recommended garnishes for this soup?
Serve the soup with toasted cheese croutes, a spoonful of crème fraîche, and fresh basil leaves.
Can I use canned tomatoes if I don't have fresh ones?
Yes, while fresh are preferred for roasting, the recipe mentions canned varieties can be used as an alternative.
How much olive oil is needed?
Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil to drizzle over the vegetables before roasting.
What size baking dish is recommended for roasting?
A 9x13-inch baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray is ideal.
Should the tomatoes be roasted cut-side up or down?
Arrange the halved tomatoes cut-side down in the baking dish.
When should I add the fresh basil leaves?
A small handful is stirred in during the simmering stage, and extra leaves are used for garnish.
What gives the soup its 'blissful' flavor?
The combination of slow-roasting the vegetables, adding sun-dried tomato paste, and finishing with crème fraîche creates a rich, blissful flavor.
What is crème fraîche?
It is a thick, creamy, and slightly tangy dairy product used as a garnish to add richness to the soup.
How much balsamic vinegar should I add?
The recipe suggests adding 2-3 tablespoons to taste.
Can I use different types of stock?
Yes, chicken stock adds depth while vegetable stock keeps the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, the soup should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste during the simmering process.
What is the texture of the soup after blending?
The soup should be smooth, though the thickness can be adjusted with the amount of stock used.
Can this soup be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is perfect as either a starter/appetizer or a light meal.
How much sugar is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2-3 teaspoons of sugar.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can add a little extra stock to reach your desired consistency while it is simmering.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are a total of 13 ingredients including garnishes and seasonings.