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- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients
- 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes
cut in half lengthwise
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups chopped yellow onions
2 onions
- 6 garlic cloves
minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 canned plum tomatoes
with their juice, 28-ounce
- 4 cups fresh basil leaves
packed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 quart chicken stock or water
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.
- 2
In an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Pass through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade. Taste for seasonings. Serve hot or cold.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
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About this Recipe
Craving a soup that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen, but is comforting enough for a weeknight? This Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, inspired by Ina Garten's Barefoot Contessa, brings elegant flavors right to your table, proving that sophisticated cooking can be deeply satisfying.
The magic of this recipe, true to Ina Garten's style, lies in its meticulous layering of flavors. By first roasting fresh plum tomatoes until deeply caramelized, we concentrate their natural sweetness and develop an unparalleled depth that forms the backbone of the soup. This crucial technique, combined with the savory richness of quality canned plum tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, and a generous infusion of fresh basil and thyme, builds a complex, harmonious flavor profile. It's this dedication to quality ingredients and careful preparation that sets this soup apart from simpler stovetop versions, delivering a truly gourmet experience.
Prepare for a truly indulgent bowl of soup that balances elegance with comforting warmth. With each spoonful, you'll savor the bright, sweet tang of ripe tomatoes, beautifully mellowed by the savory, aromatic notes of roasted garlic and onion. The fragrant essence of fresh basil and thyme permeates the entire dish, creating an irresistible aroma and a taste that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. While the total time approaches two hours, much of that is hands-off roasting and simmering, allowing the flavors to meld into a velvety smooth texture that feels effortlessly gourmet and deeply nourishing.
This versatile Roasted Tomato Basil Soup lends itself well to simple adjustments. If you prefer a heartier, more robust base, ensure you use a good quality chicken stock. For a delicious vegetarian or vegan alternative, simply substitute the chicken stock with an equal amount of water, allowing the rich tomato and herb flavors to truly shine. Those who enjoy a hint of heat can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to their liking.
This elegant Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is perfect as a sophisticated starter for a dinner party or a comforting main course on a cozy evening. Serve it with a crusty baguette for dipping, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.







