There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with the rich flavors of roasted tomatoes and garlic. This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes and the depth of caramelized garlic. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a cozy meal, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Roasting the tomatoes and garlic before blending them into a soup brings out their natural sweetness and adds layers of flavor that simmering alone can’t achieve. The creamy texture, enhanced by a touch of heavy cream or coconut milk, makes this soup indulgent yet light enough for any time of day. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic:
- 1 pound ripe tomatoes ( roma or cherry tomatoes work well)
- 4–6 cloves garlic , unpeeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, but adds richness)
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
- Cut the tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the unpeeled garlic cloves around the tomatoes.
- Drizzle everything with olive oil , then sprinkle with salt , pepper , and dried thyme .
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes , or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred at the edges, and the garlic is golden brown and fragrant.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
- While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Once the tomatoes and garlic are done roasting, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the pot with the onions.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the roasted tomatoes to the pot as well, leaving behind most of the excess liquid on the baking sheet.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Blend the Soup
- Using an immersion blender (or transferring the mixture to a regular blender), blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids—work in batches if necessary and allow steam to escape while blending.
Step 5: Add Cream and Season
- Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Heat gently over low heat without boiling.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt , pepper , or red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.
- Serve hot alongside crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup
- Use Ripe Tomatoes : Choose tomatoes that are fully ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Adjust Spiciness : If you like your soup spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Make It Vegan : Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
- Add Vegetables : Toss in diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers during the sauté step for added nutrition and texture.
- Freeze Leftovers : This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and reheat whenever you’re craving warmth in a bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup captures the essence of simplicity and flavor in one satisfying dish. Its velvety texture and robust tomato-garlic goodness make it perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even solo meals. So gather your ingredients, roast those tomatoes, and savor every sip of this comforting classic!
If you loved this recipe, explore more cozy soup recipes on our website. From hearty chilis to creamy bisques, we’ve got everything you need to keep your meals warm and delicious. Happy cooking! 🍲✨