Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Depth of Flavor: Roasting tomatoes and garlic enhances their natural sweetness, adding a rich depth that’s hard to beat.
• Creamy Texture: The addition of cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option) provides a luscious, velvety consistency.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Versatility: Easily adaptable to be vegan or vegetarian, and pairs wonderfully with various sides like grilled cheese or a fresh salad.

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs. ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened)
• 1 whole head of garlic
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 4 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and place on the baking sheet. Roast for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes are caramelized and garlic is soft.

2. Sauté the Onion: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Blend the Ingredients: Once the tomatoes and garlic are roasted, let them cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the pot with the onions, along with the roasted tomatoes. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.

4. Simmer the Soup: Return the pureed mixture to the pot (if blended separately), add the vegetable broth, tomato paste, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

5. Add Cream and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and let the soup heat through for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Herbal Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during roasting for additional aroma.
• Cheesy Delight: Stir in grated Parmesan or a dollop of pesto before serving for extra richness.
• Vegan Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and ensure vegetable broth is used.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

What type of tomatoes are best for this soup?

Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal due to their rich flavor and lower water content.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, use two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled tomatoes; however, roasting fresh tomatoes provides a deeper flavor.

How can I make this soup vegan?

Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and ensure vegetable broth is used.

Is it necessary to roast the garlic?

Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and adds sweetness, enhancing the soup’s flavor.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with this soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad pair wonderfully.

How can I thicken the soup?

Simmer longer to reduce liquid or add a small amount of tomato paste.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, but use sparingly as dried herbs are more potent.

How do I make the soup smoother?

Blend thoroughly using an immersion blender or high-speed blender.

What if the soup is too acidic?

Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity.

Conclusion

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is a delightful blend of roasted flavors and creamy texture, making it a comforting choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite side, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.