How to Make Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
There’s nothing like a warm, rich tomato soup to make a chilly day feel extra cozy. Roasting the tomatoes brings out a depth of flavor, turning them sweet with a slight char, blending into a smooth and flavorful soup. This method allows you to get the best out of your tomatoes, especially when they’re in season, and creates a soup that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning and flavorful.
This roasted tomato soup is perfect as a starter for a festive meal, or as a full meal on its own, especially when paired with toasted bread or croutons.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes – 1.5 kg, quartered (preferably ripe red tomatoes)
- Onion – 1 medium, quartered
- Oil – 4-5 tablespoons
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Vegetable Stock or Water – 4-5 cups
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon (to balance acidity)
- Optional Spices: Dried oregano, fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Preparation:
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly before starting. Once everything is prepared, cut the tomatoes into chunks and place them on a baking tray. Do the same for the onion and any optional additions like the bell pepper. - Seasoning:
Drizzle the oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix everything well to ensure the seasoning is evenly spread over the vegetables. - Roasting:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the tray in the oven for about 40 minutes or until the tomatoes soften and their edges become slightly charred. You can stir the vegetables halfway through if needed. - Blending:
Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them to a deep pot or large bowl (including any juices from the baking tray). Using an immersion blender, blend the vegetables until you achieve a smooth consistency. If the soup is too thick, you can add more liquid (water or stock) to adjust the texture. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Tips for Upgrading the Soup:
- Garlic: Add garlic cloves to the roasting tray for extra flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper (optional) – 1 large, quartered (adds sweetness)
- Cream or Coconut Cream: For a richer texture, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream, sweet cream, or coconut cream to make it smooth and creamy.
- Bread or Croutons: Serve with toasted sourdough bread, croutons, or homemade crostini to soak up the delicious flavors.
- Subtle Heat: If you like a little spice, add chili flakes or a dash of chili oil to the soup.
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl for a delightful finishing touch, or add it during blending.
- Herbs: Add oregano, thyme, or fresh basil for extra aroma and flavor.
How to Store the Soup:
Tomato soup will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in small portions for later use. To reheat, warm it on low heat and add a bit of water if the soup thickens too much.
Enjoy and bon appétit!