Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: A Comforting Classic

Introduction 

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy roasted garlic tomato soup. This classic dish combines the rich, savory flavors of roasted garlic and ripe tomatoes with a creamy texture that makes every spoonful a delight. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or hosting a casual gathering with friends and family, this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup will be a hit at the table.

Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor, creating a perfect base for the soup. Paired with fresh, juicy tomatoes, this soup has a rich, velvety taste that’s both satisfying and comforting. The cream adds a luxurious touch, balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes and making each bite smooth and velvety.

This recipe is also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade soup that beats anything you’d find in a can. Plus, it’s a great dish to prepare in advance, as the flavors only get better as they sit. Whether served with a grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic meal or enjoyed on its own, this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Let’s dive into why you will love making this recipe, and how easy it is to prepare at home.

Why You Will Love Making This Recipe 

There are many reasons why this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is a must-try recipe, starting with its exceptional flavor. The combination of roasted garlic and fresh tomatoes creates a perfectly balanced taste that’s both savory and sweet. Roasting the garlic brings out a more mellow, sweet flavor, while the tomatoes provide a fresh, tangy contrast. The addition of cream makes the soup extra indulgent, creating a silky smooth texture that’s impossible to resist.

Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can have a pot of homemade soup ready in under an hour. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.

Another reason you’ll love this soup is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences by adjusting the seasoning or adding ingredients like fresh herbs, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil. You can even make it dairy-free by substituting coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a vegan-friendly version.

Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as a starter to a bigger meal, this creamy roasted garlic tomato soup is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s now take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious soup.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large head of garlic (peeled and cloves separated)
• 4 large tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Equipment Used

• Baking Sheet: For roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
• Large Pot: For cooking the soup.
• Blender: To blend the roasted ingredients into a smooth soup.
• Whisk: For blending the soup smoothly.
• Ladle: For serving the soup.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onion and garlic.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
• Serving Bowls: For presenting the finished soup.

Directions & Instructions 

1. Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the garlic cloves (peeled) on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the tomatoes: While the garlic is roasting, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add the tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot with the onions. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
4. Combine garlic and broth: Once the garlic has cooled, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and add them to the pot with the tomatoes and onions. Stir in the vegetable broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
6. Finish with cream: Once the soup is blended, stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version) and balsamic vinegar if using. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then adjust the seasoning to taste.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Nutritional Information 

This creamy roasted garlic tomato soup offers a satisfying, comforting meal without being overly heavy. Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 600mg

The rich cream in this soup makes it a deliciously indulgent choice, while the tomatoes and garlic provide a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants. The addition of fresh herbs and vegetable broth also ensures that you’re enjoying a flavorful and nourishing dish.

If you’re looking to cut down on calories or make the soup dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like coconut cream or almond milk. You can also reduce the sodium by opting for a low-sodium vegetable broth.

Variations

• Spicy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper for some heat.
• Herbed Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
• Vegan Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: Use coconut cream or any dairy-free cream alternative for a completely vegan version.
• Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup with Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for an extra creamy, cheesy soup.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to choose high-quality, no-salt-added canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight and warm on the stove.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat when ready to serve.

Pro Tips By Emma

• Roast the garlic thoroughly: The garlic’s sweetness and depth of flavor are best when it’s roasted to a golden brown. This step adds complexity to the soup.
• Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, add more cream.
• Blend for smoothness: For an ultra-creamy soup, ensure you blend it well to remove any chunks. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a regular blender works fine too – just be cautious with hot liquids.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy roasted garlic tomato soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, croutons, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for extra flavor. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, enjoy it alongside a side of warm, crusty bread or a savory garlic breadstick.