Velvety, smoky, and deeply savory, this bowl warms you from the inside out. The combination of charred vegetables and smoked paprika creates a tomato soup that feels far more complex than the simple ingredients suggest. My father, Robert, always said a good soup starts with roasting the vegetables, and this recipe brings that childhood lesson to life. It is a comforting homemade tomatoes soup that you can have on the table in under an hour.
Why You'll Love This
This recipe transforms humble ingredients into something truly special through the magic of roasting. You will love how the char on the tomatoes adds a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomato soup perfectly. It requires minimal active effort since the oven does most of the heavy lifting for you. Plus, it serves as a fantastic roasted tomato basil soup base that pairs beautifully with a crunchy grilled cheese sandwich.
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Ingredients
This tomato soup relies on fresh produce and pantry staples to create a rich, silky texture without any complications. It is a creamy tomato soup recipe that feels indulgent but remains wholesome and bright.
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredients and step-by-step directions.
Main Ingredients
- Fresh Tomatoes: Ripe red tomatoes work best for sweetness; cut them in half and remove the hard core.
- Unpeeled Garlic Cloves: Roasting them in their skins creates a soft, sweet garlic paste without burning.
- Vegetable Stock: Provides a savory liquid base; use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, silky finish to the final blend.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives the dish a distinct, warm depth that mimics slow cooking.
- Fresh Basil: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
Optional Extras
If you want a heartier meal, you can add cooked small pasta shells or croutons right before serving. This easily transforms the dish into a filling Italian soup night favorite.
How to Make tomato soup (Step-by-Step)
This method ensures a tomato vegetable soup that is smooth, flavorful, and incredibly easy to assemble.
Roast the Vegetables Arrange the tomatoes and unpeeled garlic on a baking tray to maximize air circulation. Drizzle with oil and spices, then roast until the skins are charred to develop a deep, smoky flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics Cook the diced onion and minced garlic in a large pot until they are soft and translucent. This step builds a savory foundation so the final soup has no raw onion bite.
Combine the Ingredients Squeeze the soft roasted garlic out of the skins and add the roasted tomatoes and juices into the pot. Pour in the vegetable stock so everything is ready to be simmered together.
Blend Until Smooth Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture right in the pot until it reaches your desired consistency.
How do I get a perfectly smooth texture? Move the immersion blender slowly up and down to ensure all tomato skins are fully pulverized for a velvety finish.
Finish with Cream Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil leaves to brighten the color and soften the acidity. Simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld into a unified, creamy soup.
Tips
Making this tomato soup is straightforward, but these small details ensure the best texture and flavor.
Add basil last: Stirring herbs in off the heat keeps them green so they look fresh in the bowl.
Leave garlic skins on: This steams the clove inside so it becomes a sweet paste instead of burning.
Don't skip the char: Dark edges on the tomatoes add a smoky depth that mimics long simmering.
Add sugar gradually: A pinch helps balance high acidity so the homemade tomato soup dinner tastes rounded and mellow.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
You can easily customize this recipe to suit what you have in your pantry. For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes during the sauté step to create spicy tomato soup ideas that warm you up. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut milk makes a wonderful substitute for heavy cream.
Storage
This soup stores beautifully and often tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to settle. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days for a quick homemade tomato soup fall lunch. When reheating, add a splash of water or stock if the texture has thickened too much in the cold.
Serving Suggestions
A classic grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate partner for this dish, offering crunch against the creamy liquid. You can also serve it with crusty baguette slices or a side salad to round out your soup and stew recipes collection. For a lighter option, a sprinkle of parmesan and extra fresh basil makes a lovely presentation.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use whole peeled canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren't in season. However, you will miss out on the charred flavor that makes these tomato based soups so unique.
How do I make this soup vegan?
Simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based creamer. The roasted vegetables ensure the flavor remains robust without the dairy.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely, this soup freezes very well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
Why is my soup tasting too acidic?
Tomatoes can vary in acidity, which is why the sugar is listed as an optional ingredient. Add a small pinch of sugar at a time until the flavor feels balanced.
More Recipes You'll Love
Dinner just got easier with this tomato soup and these other comforting tomato soup dinner ideas.
Whipped this up already? Show it off on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - your version might inspire someone!
Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F and arrange tomatoes and unpeeled garlic on a tray.
- Drizzle with oil, paprika, salt, and pepper, then roast for 40-45 minutes until charred.
- Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a pot until translucent.
- Squeeze roasted garlic into the pot, add roasted tomatoes, juices, and stock.
- Blend until smooth using a stick blender or countertop blender.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stir in cream and basil, then serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Tomato Soup:
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