Cozy Up with Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Hey there, friend! Do you ever crave a warm hug in a bowl? If so, let me introduce you to my creamy roasted garlic tomato soup! It’s rich, smooth, and perfect for cozying up on chilly days. Homemade soup like this has a way of making everything feel better, doesn’t it? Plus, this recipe is super easy and you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to whip it up!
The Joy of Homemade Tomato Soup
So, why should you make tomato soup at home? For starters, you have full control over the ingredients. You choose your tomatoes, your cream—go full dairy or plant-based—and season it just how you like! And let’s not forget the fact that fresh tomatoes pack in a ton of nutritional benefits. They’re loaded with vitamins C and K, and they’re rich in antioxidants that help keep your body healthy.
Nutritional Benefits of This Soup
This delicious soup isn’t just comforting; it’s also good for you! Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is known for its heart health benefits and may even help protect your skin from UV damage. Garlic adds a punch of flavor and is famous for its immune-boosting properties. And if you go for coconut cream, you’ll be adding healthy fats to the mix. Creamy soup that’s both satisfying and healthy? Yes, please!
Fun Variations to Try
- Herby Delight: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while sautéing the onions for an even more aromatic soup!
- Add Greens: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale just before blending for a nutrient boost without drastically changing the flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the onions to spice things up!
- Substitutions Galore: You can easily swap coconut cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter zing or use almond milk if you’re looking to keep things dairy-free.
- Sweeten the Deal: A hint of sugar or drizzle of honey can balance out the acidity of the tomatoes if you find it too tangy.
Recipe Time: Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened work best)
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crusty bread (for serving)
- Optional: balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)
Serves 4–6 people
- Standard portions → 4 servings
- Generous portions → up to 6 servings
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash them well and slice the tomatoes in half. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Roast the Garlic: Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle it with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and put it on the baking sheet with the tomatoes.
- Season the Tomatoes: Drizzle the tomatoes with more olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and toss in a few fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
- Roast: Roast everything in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are caramelized and the garlic is soft and fragrant.
- Sauté the Onions: While that’s roasting, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Once your tomatoes and garlic are roasted, squeeze the soft garlic cloves into the pot with the onions, then add the roasted tomatoes and pour in the broth.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 10 minutes so all those fantastic flavors meld together.
- Puree the Soup: If you have an immersion blender, this is your moment! Blend until nice and smooth. If not, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and puree it in batches.
- Add Cream: Return the blended soup to low heat, stir in the cream, and season it with salt and pepper to taste. Warm it through, but be careful not to boil it!
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, add a drizzle of cream, fresh basil, and a touch of salt and pepper. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy!
- Optional Drizzle: For a fantastic flavor finish, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar over the soup right before serving—it’s a delightful touch!
Practical Tips for the Best Experience
- **Storage**: This soup keeps really well in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!
- **Freezing**: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months! Just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer bags. Lay them flat in the freezer for easy storage.
- **Cream Alternatives**: If you want a lighter version, you can swap cream for blended cashews or use almond milk instead.
- **Serving Suggestions**: Pair this soup with a light salad for a full meal or serve it alongside a grilled cheese for a classic combo.
- **Add Texture**: For added texture, consider sprinkling in some croutons or toasted seeds on top just before serving!
Equipment Needed
To make this amazing soup, here’s what you’ll need:
- Baking sheet for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
- A sharp knife for cutting veggies.
- A large pot for cooking the soup.
- An immersion blender for easy blending (or a regular blender, if you prefer).
- A wooden spoon for stirring.
- Measuring cups for precise ingredients.
- An airtight container for storing leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned tomatoes? Yes, you can! Just use high-quality canned tomatoes for a similar taste, but roasting fresh tomatoes adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Is there a vegan option for this soup? Absolutely! Just use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Can I add more veggies? Definitely! Carrots or bell peppers roasted alongside the tomatoes can also make a delicious addition.
- How should I reheat the soup? Gently heat it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
- Can I make this soup in advance? Yes! The flavors actually deepen and improve when allowed to sit, making it the perfect make-ahead dish!
Wrap Up!
So, there you have it! A creamy roasted garlic tomato soup that’s not only easy to make but also makes your home smell inviting and delicious. I hope you give it a try! I’d love to hear all about it—maybe you even put your spin on it? Don’t forget to share your experience with me over on Pinterest or any of your favorite platforms. Happy cooking!
