Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe
This Best Homemade Tomato Soup Recipe features oven-roasted tomatoes blended with fresh basil and simmered in a buttery roux-based broth for a rich, comforting soup. Perfect for cozy dinners, it offers an elegant balance of roasted depth and creamy smoothness, with optional heavy cream for extra richness.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 3 pounds tomatoes (fresh, cut into 2” pieces)
- ½ onion (diced, 1 cup)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh basil
Oils and Fats
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ to ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Seasonings and Others
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 quart vegetable broth
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F and lightly grease a large baking sheet to prepare for roasting.
- Prepare Vegetables for Roasting: In a large bowl, combine the fresh tomatoes cut into 2-inch pieces, diced onion, chopped garlic, olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Roast the Tomato Mixture: Spread the tomato mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes, remove from the oven, stir the mixture, then continue roasting for another 15 minutes. In the final 2 to 3 minutes, switch the oven to broil to lightly char some tomatoes, enhancing flavor.
- Blend the Roasted Tomatoes: Carefully transfer the roasted tomatoes and all juices from the baking sheet into a high-powered blender. Add fresh basil leaves, then blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Prepare the Roux: In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook the mixture for 30 to 60 seconds until bubbly and lightly browned, forming a roux.
- Add Broth and Sugar: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth and granulated sugar to the roux, stirring until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Combine Soup Base with Tomato Blend: Pour the blended tomato and basil mixture into the pot with the roux and broth, whisking thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency. Stir in heavy cream from ¼ to ½ cup if you prefer a creamier soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup cook for 15 minutes to thicken and meld flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with croutons or additional fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Roasting the tomatoes with some broiling adds a delicious smoky, charred flavor to the soup.
- The roux thickens the soup and adds a subtle buttery richness.
- Heavy cream is optional but recommended for a richer, creamier texture.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for best flavor; Roma or vine-ripened work well.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: tomato soup, homemade tomato soup, roasted tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, easy tomato soup, vegetarian soup