Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil (Printable version)
Velvety blend of oven-roasted tomatoes and fresh basil enriched with a touch of cream.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1.5 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered
03 - 4 garlic cloves, peeled
04 - 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
05 - 1 celery stalk, chopped
→ Seasonings
06 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
10 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Liquids
11 - 3 cups vegetable broth
12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Herbs
13 - 1 large handful (about 1 cup) fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to reach temperature.
02 - Arrange tomatoes, onion, garlic, carrot, and celery on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and optional sugar.
03 - Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes until tomatoes caramelize and vegetables soften.
04 - Transfer roasted vegetables and their juices to a large pot; add vegetable broth and optional oregano, then simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes.
05 - Add fresh basil leaves and puree the mixture with an immersion blender until smooth, or blend in batches using a countertop blender.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 additional minutes; adjust seasoning if necessary.
07 - Serve warm, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of cream if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- This soup feels like a comforting secret only close friends know about, with its velvety texture and bright fresh basil.
- It became a favorite because it transforms simple vegetables into a rich and satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
02 -
- Roasting the tomatoes until caramelized is the key to unlocking deep flavor; don't rush this step.
- Blending while the soup is still warm creates that silky texture that makes everyone smile.
03 -
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to avoid scorching the soup during simmering.
- The secret is to roast the vegetables on a single layer so they all caramelize evenly and develop optimal flavor.