Tomato Soup Recipe

Velvety, aromatic tomato soup enriched with roasted garlic and fresh herbs, delivering bright acidity balanced with creamy comfort in every spoonful.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hour 15 mins
Serves:
6 bowls
An overhead shot of a deep white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red tomato soup, steam rising gently from its surface. A swirl of cream creates a decorative pattern across the top, with tiny droplets of herb-infused olive oil catching the soft natural light. Beside the bowl sits a rustic slice of toasted sourdough bread dusted with herbs, and scattered fresh basil leaves provide a verdant color contrast against the soup's rich hue. The setting features a weathered wooden table with a neatly folded linen napkin and vintage silver spoon, creating an inviting, homey atmosphere that highlights the soup's comforting appeal.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1.5 kg ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 red bell peppers</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 whole head of garlic</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium onions, roughly chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tablespoons olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">500ml vegetable stock</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150ml double cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh basil leaves for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large baking trays</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Blender or food processor</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh sieve</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Dutch oven or large heavy-bottomed pot</li></ul>

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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Prepare your tomatoes by cutting them in half horizontally and placing them cut-side up on a large baking tray. This orientation allows the moisture to evaporate and concentrates the tomato flavor as they roast.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Cut the bell peppers into quarters, removing the seeds and membrane. Place them skin-side up on the tray with the tomatoes. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, and wrap in foil. Place on the tray.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Scatter the chopped onions around the tomatoes and peppers. Drizzle everything with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with brown sugar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. The sugar helps to caramelize the vegetables and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Roast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until the vegetables are soft and starting to char at the edges. Look for deeply caramelized spots and shriveled skins—this indicates the sugars have concentrated and developed complex flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins. The slow roasting transforms the sharp, pungent raw garlic into sweet, mellow flavor enhancers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Working in batches if necessary, transfer the roasted vegetables, including any juices from the tray, to a blender. Add half the vegetable stock and blend until smooth. The hot vegetables will release steam, so be sure to vent your blender's lid correctly to prevent pressure buildup.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>For an ultra-smooth texture, pass the blended soup through a fine mesh sieve into a large pot, pressing with the back of a ladle to extract all the liquid. This step creates the silky restaurant-quality texture that elevates homemade soup. Skip this step if you prefer a more rustic texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Add the remaining stock to the pot and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cooking the soup briefly after blending allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Reduce heat to low and stir in the double cream, reserving a little for garnishing if desired. Heat through but do not boil after adding the cream, as this can cause it to separate. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Serve hot in warmed bowls with a swirl of cream, a drizzle of the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and fresh basil leaves. The contrast of temperatures (hot soup, room temperature garnishes) and textures creates a more complex eating experience.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 185 calories
🥑 Fat: 12 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 4 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 18 g
🍭 Sugar: 10 g
🍗 Protein: 3 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 22 mg
🧂 Sodium: 520 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this soup without a blender or food processor?

While a blender creates the velvety texture, you can use a potato masher for a rustic version. Alternatively, cook the vegetables longer until completely soft, then press through a sieve with a wooden spoon. The soup will have more texture but still deliver wonderful flavour.

Why should I roast the vegetables instead of just simmering them?

Roasting concentrates flavours by caramelising the natural sugars in tomatoes and vegetables. This process adds complexity and depth that simple simmering can't achieve, creating that rich umami character that makes homemade tomato soup superior to canned versions.

How can I store leftover tomato soup and how long will it keep?

Cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently on the hob and add fresh cream after reheating to prevent separation.

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