The Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

The Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe

This recipe captures the essence of summer tomatoes with a touch of roasting for depth of flavor. It’s easily customizable and sure to become a comfort food favorite.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs fresh tomatoes (Roma, plum, or Campari work well)
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a handful of fresh thyme)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Heavy cream or sour cream, for serving (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Roast the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread the vegetables into a single layer and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and starting to blister.

2. Simmer and blend: In a large pot, add the roasted vegetables and their juices along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Blend until smooth: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender in batches, puree the soup until completely smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more broth if desired.

4. Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot garnished with fresh basil leaves (optional) and a drizzle of heavy cream or sour cream for an extra touch of richness (optional).

Tips:

• Ripen for best flavor: Use ripe tomatoes for the sweetest flavor.
• Roasting adds depth: Roasting the vegetables concentrates their flavors and creates a deeper, richer soup.
• Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth. For a thicker soup, simmer for a longer time or mash some of the cooked tomatoes back into the pot before blending.
• Make it vegan: Use vegetable broth and omit the cream garnish for a vegan-friendly option.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy this delicious homemade tomato soup!