Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup in 30 Minutes

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There’s something deeply soothing about a bowl of warm, homemade tomato basil soup. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or simply a way to brighten a chilly day, this vibrant soup brings joy with every spoonful. The blend of roasted roma tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of balsamic vinegar creates a rich, comforting flavor that wraps you in culinary comfort and nourishment. As you make this recipe, imagine yourself savoring each bite, feeling the freshness and warmth meld perfectly.

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Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup in 30 Minutes

A comforting and fresh tomato basil soup made with roasted roma tomatoes and fragrant herbs.

  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Roasting, Simmering, Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds roma tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • ⅓ cup chopped carrots
  • 4 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 loosely packed cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Place tomatoes cut side up, drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper; roast 1 hour.
  3. Heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in pot; cook onion, carrots, garlic, and ½ tsp salt until soft (8 minutes).
  4. Add tomatoes, broth, vinegar, thyme; simmer 20 minutes.
  5. Cool slightly, blend in batches until smooth.
  6. Add basil and pulse to combine.
  7. Season to taste and serve with basil garnish.

Notes

Roasting tomatoes enhances sweetness and flavor. Add basil at end to keep fresh taste. Blend in batches to avoid splatter. Adjust thickness with broth or cream. Soup keeps refrigerated 3 days or freezes well.

Ingredients for Fresh Tomato Basil Soup

To craft this delicious soup, gather these simple, wholesome ingredients. The fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil are the stars that deliver a burst of natural flavor.

IngredientQuantity
Roma tomatoes2½ pounds, halved
Extra-virgin olive oil¼ cup, divided
Sea saltTo taste
Freshly ground black pepperTo taste
Medium yellow onion1, chopped
Carrots⅓ cup, chopped
Garlic cloves4, chopped
Vegetable broth3 cups
Balsamic vinegar1 tablespoon
Fresh thyme leaves1 teaspoon
Fresh basil leaves1 loosely packed cup, plus more for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tomato Basil Soup

Roasting the Tomatoes

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the halved roma tomatoes cut side up on the baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle with sea salt and ground black pepper.
  4. Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 1 hour. They should start to shrivel at the edges but remain juicy inside.

Preparing the Base

  1. In a large pot, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  3. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

Combining and Simmering

  1. Add the roasted tomatoes to the pot along with vegetable broth, balsamic vinegar, and thyme leaves.
  2. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Blending and Finishing Touches

  1. Allow the soup to cool slightly.
  2. Transfer the soup in batches into a blender, blending until smooth.
  3. Return the blended soup to the pot and add the fresh basil leaves.
  4. Pulse or stir until the basil is combined but still bright and fresh.
  5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serving

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves before serving.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Tomato Basil Soup

  • Roast for Depth: Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and adds a lovely smoky undertone.
  • Fresh Basil: Add basil at the end of blending to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color.
  • Use a Blender with Care: When blending hot soup, do it in batches and vent the blender lid slightly to avoid splattering.
  • Customize Your Thickness: For a thinner soup, add extra vegetable broth. For creamier, consider a splash of cream or coconut milk.
  • Make Ahead and Store: This soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and also freezes beautifully for convenient future meals.

Conclusion

This Tomato Basil Soup recipe offers a heartwarming, garden-fresh taste in every spoonful. By roasting fresh roma tomatoes and combining them with fresh herbs and a hint of balsamic vinegar, you create a nourishing and deeply satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it to family or enjoying a quiet moment alone, this soup promises comfort and delight with every bowl. Embrace the warmth and flavor of homemade soup and make this recipe your go-to for cozy meals.