Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Basil is bursting with rich, full-bodied tomato goodness and is silky smooth. Full of roasted garden tomatoes, fresh basil, and my secret ingredient, smoky bacon, this flavorful and simple homemade tomato soup is the epitome of comfort food.
Optionalcroutons, Cheez-It's or additional chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Core the tomatoes and cut them into quarters. If very large, cut them into eighths.
Cut the onion into large pieces. (Smaller pieces will burn while being roasted.)
Peel the garlic and leave the cloves whole
Place the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a large bowl and add the olive oil. Toss until all surfaces are coated. Pour out on a rimmed baking sheet or sheet pan and roast the vegetables for 25 minutes. Stir once after about 15 minutes.
While the tomatoes are roasting, chop up the bacon and place it in a Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook the bacon until it is almost done and the fat has been rendered. Add the roasted tomatoes and any juices and stir to combine.
Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and simmer covered for another 15 minutes.
Remove the soup from the heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth and creamy.
Add the cream, basil, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Spoon into individual bowls and serve hot. Optional, garnish with a few croutons or Cheez-It's and additional chopped basil.
Notes
Leftover soup can be stored covered in the refrigerator for several days.
If making this soup ahead, make the soup up to the point of adding the tomato paste and store it covered in the refrigerator for several days. Before serving, add the cream, basil, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until hot, and serve.
Since this recipe only calls for three tablespoons of tomato paste, you might consider purchasing it in a tube instead of a can. With a tube of tomato paste, you can use the amount you need, then store the rest in the refrigerator until you need it again. No more cans of half-used tomato paste lurking in the back of your refrigerator.
Instead of buying chicken stock in a box, I like and recommend jarred Better Than Boullion Reduced Sodium Roasted Chicken Base. You can find it next to regular chicken stock. No, this is not a sponsored post. I like the convenience of using this product and using only the amount of chicken stock I need.
If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender to puree the soup. However, you will have to do it in batches. Place a dishtowel over the lid to prevent any hot liquid or steam from escaping.
If, by chance, your tomatoes aren't as sweet as they should be, add a teaspoon of sugar to the soup.