This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. The natural sweetness of oven-roasted tomatoes and the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic create a harmonious blend that is both soothing and satisfying. Finished with a touch of cream and fresh basil, this soup offers a velvety texture and depth of flavor that will warm you from the inside out. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a comforting lunch, it’s a timeless classic that never goes out of style.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 lbs fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened), halved
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1 whole head of garlic
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free option)
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Arrange the halved tomatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
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Cut the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and wrap in foil. Place on the baking sheet with the tomatoes.
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Roast for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are caramelized and the garlic is soft. Let cool slightly.
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In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
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Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the pot. Add the roasted tomatoes, broth, and basil.
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Blend using an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
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Return to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and let simmer for 5-10 minutes to blend flavors. Adjust seasoning if needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream, or crispy roasted cherry tomatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
If there’s one dish that embodies warmth and comfort, it’s a bowl of homemade soup. Among the endless options available, few are as satisfying as a rich, creamy tomato soup made with roasted garlic. This recipe takes the classic tomato soup to a whole new level, with the depth of flavor added by the caramelized sweetness of roasted tomatoes and the mellow richness of roasted garlic. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a light lunch paired with a crusty bread, this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is sure to impress.
Why Roasting Tomatoes Makes a Difference
The foundation of any great tomato soup lies in the tomatoes themselves. While fresh tomatoes are often the go-to, roasting them brings out their natural sweetness in a way that’s hard to replicate with just raw tomatoes. Roasting causes the sugars in the tomatoes to caramelize, adding a depth of flavor that adds complexity to the soup. As the tomatoes break down in the oven, they lose excess moisture, concentrating their flavor, and become perfectly soft and juicy. This intense tomato base forms the perfect starting point for your soup, offering a rich, velvety taste that’s much more satisfying than traditional tomato soups.
Additionally, the caramelization process helps to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes, which can sometimes overpower the overall flavor. Roasted tomatoes yield a much smoother, balanced taste, creating a harmonious base for the soup.
The Magic of Roasted Garlic
One of the most distinctive features of this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is the roasted garlic. Roasting garlic changes its sharp, pungent flavor into something sweet and mild, making it a perfect complement to the tomatoes. As the garlic roasts, it softens and develops a creamy, buttery texture that blends beautifully into the soup. The garlic becomes mellow and rich, offering a subtle undertone without overwhelming the dish.
For those who have never roasted garlic, it’s a simple process that transforms an ordinary ingredient into a flavorful powerhouse. By roasting the garlic alongside the tomatoes, the two ingredients meld together, creating a savory base that is as aromatic as it is flavorful.
The Creamy Touch
The addition of cream (or a non-dairy substitute like coconut milk) in this soup takes it from a delicious vegetable-based soup to an indulgent, comforting meal. The cream adds a smooth texture that enriches the flavors, making the soup velvety and luxurious. Whether you opt for heavy cream, which gives the soup a rich, decadent mouthfeel, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version, this step ensures that the soup is creamy and satisfying.
Incorporating cream into a tomato soup also helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more rounded and smooth taste. The creaminess adds a layer of richness that ties together all of the ingredients, making each spoonful feel like a warm hug on a cold day.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
While this recipe includes heavy cream for a rich, indulgent texture, it can easily be made vegan and dairy-free. Coconut milk is a perfect substitute that offers a creamy consistency and a slight sweetness that complements the roasted tomatoes and garlic. For those who prefer a lighter version, cashew cream or oat cream are great alternatives, giving the soup a similar texture without the dairy.
Switching to a plant-based cream also makes this soup suitable for those following vegan or dairy-free diets, allowing everyone to enjoy the comforting, velvety goodness of this roasted garlic tomato soup. The option to adjust the creaminess to your preference ensures that this soup can be enjoyed by people with various dietary needs.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Tomato soup on its own is comforting, but when paired with the right accompaniments, it becomes a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. The traditional pairing for tomato soup is a grilled cheese sandwich, which provides a crunchy contrast to the smoothness of the soup. The melty cheese perfectly complements the creamy tomato base, and the crispy bread adds texture to each bite.
For a lighter pairing, consider serving the soup with a simple side salad. A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the soup and provide a refreshing balance. You could also pair this soup with a slice of toasted sourdough or a warm baguette for dipping.
If you’re serving the soup as a main course, consider adding a protein side, like roasted chicken or a quinoa salad, to make the meal more filling. The soup’s smooth and creamy consistency pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it versatile enough to serve on its own or as part of a larger spread.
How to Customize the Soup to Your Taste
While the classic version of this soup is delicious on its own, it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a spicy kick, adding red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper will give the soup a little heat, balancing the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes and garlic with a touch of spice.
For added texture, consider topping the soup with roasted croutons or crispy fried onions. These toppings will add a satisfying crunch to each spoonful and give the soup an elevated presentation. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like basil or thyme, will also enhance the flavor and make the soup feel more gourmet.
If you’re looking to make the soup even heartier, you can add other vegetables to the base, such as carrots or bell peppers, which will blend in seamlessly with the tomatoes and garlic. For an extra dose of protein, you could stir in some cooked lentils or chickpeas, turning the soup into a more filling dish.
Storage and Leftovers
One of the best things about this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is that it stores beautifully. The soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the creaminess is maintained. If you find the soup has thickened too much after refrigeration, simply add a little water or extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
For longer storage, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. The soup will still be as creamy and flavorful as when it was freshly made, making it a great option for meal prepping or preparing a cozy meal in advance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, mellow roasted garlic, and velvety cream creates a perfect balance of flavors that warms the soul. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a rich, comforting meal on a cold winter evening or craving something cozy during the fall, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Its versatility, ease of preparation, and ability to accommodate different dietary needs make it a fantastic dish to add to your regular cooking rotation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Give it a try, and you’ll find that this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup becomes a new favorite in your household.