Save to Pinterest A vibrant, velvety roasted tomato soup bursting with fresh flavor, topped with golden, homemade croutons for the perfect comforting meal. This simple yet sophisticated dish brings out the deep sweetness of ripe tomatoes through roasting, creating a rich base that feels both hearty and light.
Save to Pinterest By roasting the tomatoes, onions, and garlic together, you unlock a caramelized depth of flavor that defines this Modern American classic. The addition of fresh thyme and a touch of cream transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup in just one hour.
Ingredients
- For the Roasted Tomato Soup:
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) ripe tomatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 60 ml (¼ cup) heavy cream or coconut cream (optional)
- For the Crispy Croutons:
- 4 thick slices day-old bread, cut into 2 cm (¾ in) cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2
- Arrange the halved tomatoes, onion quarters, and garlic cloves on a large baking tray. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 3
- Roast for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes are caramelized and the onions are soft.
- Step 4
- While the vegetables roast, prepare the croutons: In a bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a lined baking sheet and bake (can share the oven with the tomatoes) for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Set aside.
- Step 5
- Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic to a large saucepan. Add vegetable broth, tomato paste, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Step 6
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) to purée the soup until smooth. For extra creaminess, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 7
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top generously with crispy croutons. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the smoothest texture, blend the soup thoroughly with an immersion blender. If you prefer a completely seedless consistency, you can pass the puréed soup through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the cream.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs. For a vegan version, simply use coconut cream instead of dairy cream. If you are gluten-sensitive, use your favorite gluten-free bread to make the croutons.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish your soup with fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil to enhance the aroma. This soup also pairs beautifully with a side salad or a grilled cheese sandwich for a more substantial meal.
Save to Pinterest With its rich color and incredible roasted flavor, this tomato soup is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy the perfect contrast between the velvety soup and the satisfying crunch of homemade croutons.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.
- → What tomatoes work best for roasting?
Roma, vine-ripened, or beefsteak tomatoes all work wonderfully. The key is choosing ripe, flavorful tomatoes. During peak season, heirloom varieties add exceptional depth. Even slightly overripe tomatoes will caramelize beautifully during roasting.
- → How do I achieve the smoothest texture?
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easiest cleanup. For an ultra-silky result, pass the puréed soup through a fine-mesh sieve. Adding cream or coconut cream also creates a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. Croutons are best made fresh.
- → What can I serve alongside this soup?
A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Grilled cheese sandwiches make for a classic pairing. For a lighter option, serve with crusty bread and olive oil for dipping.
- → How can I add more protein?
Stir in white beans like cannellini during puréeing for added creaminess and protein. Serving with a dollop of Greek yogurt or pairing with a protein-rich salad also creates a more complete meal.