Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup: A Comforting Classic
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.
Equipment
- 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.
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot with a side of crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Notes
To make your Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup truly exceptional, here are some tips and tricks:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality olive oil can make a significant difference in the taste. Roast the Garlic Perfectly: Ensure the garlic is roasted until it's golden and caramelized, but not burnt. This will give a deep, sweet flavor to the soup. Homemade Stock: Use homemade vegetable stock if possible, as it will add a richer and more authentic flavor to the soup.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality olive oil can make a significant difference in the taste. Roast the Garlic Perfectly: Ensure the garlic is roasted until it's golden and caramelized, but not burnt. This will give a deep, sweet flavor to the soup. Homemade Stock: Use homemade vegetable stock if possible, as it will add a richer and more authentic flavor to the soup.