Savory Roasted Tomato Basil Bliss
Transform your perception of tomato soup with this incredible, homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Bliss inspired by the Barefoot Contessa herself. Fresh, ripe plum tomatoes are roasted to perfection, intensifying their natural sweetness and flavor. Combined with aromatic herbs, sautéed onions, and a hint of garlic, this soup is the epitome of comfort food. Whether enjoyed piping hot on a chilly evening or chilled as a refreshing summer dish, each spoonful bursts with rich, vibrant flavors that will make you forget all about canned varieties. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this smooth and creamy soup is a delightful way to savor the flavors of summer.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ripe Plum Tomatoes
3 lbs (cut in half)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (plus an additional 2 tablespoons for sautéing)
Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons
Yellow Onions
2 cups (chopped)
Garlic Cloves
6 (minced)
Butter
2 tablespoons
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon
Canned Plum Tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can (with their juice)
Fresh Basil Leaves
4 cups (packed)
Fresh Thyme Leaves
1 teaspoon
Chicken Stock or Water
1 quart
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved ripe plum tomatoes, 1/4 cup of olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the tomatoes are well coated.
3
Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are caramelized and tender.
4
While the tomatoes are roasting, heat a large 8-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped yellow onions, minced garlic, butter, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 10 minutes or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
5
After the onions are soft, add the canned plum tomatoes (with their juice), fresh basil leaves, thyme, and chicken stock (or water) to the pot. Stir to combine.
6
Once the roasted tomatoes are ready, carefully transfer them to the stockpot, including any juices from the baking sheet. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat and allowing it to simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
After serving the soup, pass the mixture through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade to achieve a silky texture. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
8
Serve your savory soup hot in bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired, or allow it to cool and serve chilled for a refreshing alternative.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Roasted Tomato Basil Bliss?
It is a homemade roasted tomato soup inspired by the Barefoot Contessa, featuring fresh plum tomatoes and basil.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the Barefoot Contessa.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe uses fresh ripe plum tomatoes for roasting and canned plum tomatoes for the base.
How many pounds of plum tomatoes are needed?
You will need 3 pounds of fresh plum tomatoes.
At what temperature should I roast the tomatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long do the tomatoes need to roast?
Roast the tomatoes for about 45 minutes until they are caramelized and tender.
What size stockpot is recommended for this soup?
A large 8-quart stockpot is recommended.
How many garlic cloves are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either 1 quart of chicken stock or water.
How much fresh basil is required?
The recipe requires 4 packed cups of fresh basil leaves.
Is there a spicy element in this soup?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.
How is the silky texture of the soup achieved?
The mixture is passed through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade.
Can this soup be served cold?
Yes, it can be served hot or chilled as a refreshing summer dish.
What are the primary seasonings used for roasting?
The tomatoes are seasoned with olive oil, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper.
How should the plum tomatoes be prepared for roasting?
The tomatoes should be cut in half.
Does the recipe use butter?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of butter for saut ing.
What type of onions are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of chopped yellow onions.
Should I include the juice from the canned tomatoes?
Yes, add the 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes with their juice to the pot.
What herbs are used in addition to basil?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this soup vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian by using water or vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, though it does contain butter.
How do I garnish the soup?
You can garnish the soup with additional fresh basil leaves.
Should I use parchment paper when roasting?
Yes, line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When do I add the roasted tomatoes to the pot?
Add the roasted tomatoes and their juices once the other ingredients have been combined in the stockpot.
How long do I saut the onions and garlic?
Saut them for about 10 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food mill?
While a food mill is recommended for the best texture, a blender can be used as an alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is a delightful and comforting option for either lunch or dinner.
What is the total amount of olive oil used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup for roasting plus an additional 2 tablespoons for saut ing.
Should the roasted tomatoes be peeled?
The recipe does not require peeling; the food mill will remove skins during the final step.