Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

 Another bowl of summer with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Cook's Notes: Recently I came across Ina Garten's Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Since my tomato plants are thriving this year being in a new location (on the deck away from the deer) it seemed like a good time to make a pot of soup. The soup is made with fresh roasted tomatoes, garlic, basil, and onions.

These tomatoes are pure bliss in taste especially compared to ones from the store. 

Make the soup ahead a day for flavors to meld. There are a few steps to this soup but well worth the effort. Mea culpa but I did adapt Ina's recipe. Bonus-I had company so we added a slice of tomato to the panini cheese sandwiches.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

• 6 large ripe tomatoes cut in half 
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cups chopped sweet onions
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 (28 oz.) can of whole plum tomatoes, with juice or San Marzano Tomatoes
• 1-14 oz. can garlic, basil, and oregano crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed and torn
• 1 teaspoon thyme or oregano
• 2 cups chicken stock, low sodium 
• 1/4 cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 

• Preheat the oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• Gently toss the tomatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste, and roast for 45 minutes.
• In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onions, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until onions are translucent and start to brown, about 10 minutes. Last 3 minutes of sautéing add in minced garlic.
• Add in the 2 cans of canned tomatoes, basil, thyme or oregano, roasted tomatoes, including the juices, and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for 40 minutes, uncovered. 
• In two batches puree in a blender. Return soup to pot and add in 1/4 cup cream, stir until mixed. 
• Serve with croutons and/or Parmesan cheese.  

Another similar recipe from Ever Ready is Creamy Tomato Soup

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/01/celebrate-notable-birthday-with-creamy.html