Experience the ultimate comfort with this silky roasted tomato basil soup. Featuring concentrated roasted tomatoes, a savory garlic backbone, and fresh herbaceous notes, it is the perfect cozy meal.
1cupfresh basil leaves, plus more for garnishloosely packed
Instructions
Roast the tomatoes for concentrated flavor
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the halved tomatoes cut side up on the sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
Roast for 1 hour until the edges shrivel and the centers are concentrated and juicy.
Build the savory base on the stove
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic with a pinch of salt.
Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and develop a light golden caramelization.
Simmer, blend, then finish with basil
Stir the roasted tomatoes into the pot along with the vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Maintain the simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Allow the soup to cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth and glossy. Add the basil leaves and pulse briefly so small green flecks remain.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra basil.
Notes
Flavor Secret: Roasting the tomatoes for a full hour is essential for removing excess water and concentrating the natural sugars for a deeper flavor.Color Tip: If your soup looks orange after blending, it is just trapped air. Simmer it on low for 5 minutes without stirring to let the air escape and the deep red color return.Storage Tip: This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.Winter Variation: If fresh tomatoes are out of season, substitute with high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes for a consistently sweet result.Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.