Heavenly Harvested

This homemade roasted tomato soup is packed with rich, caramelized flavors from perfectly roasted tomatoes and herbs, blended into a smooth and comforting bowl of deliciousness. It is the ultimate comfort food for any day!

Tomato soup has long been a go-to, comfortable meal, and it has a strong connection to my early years. Made from scratch using fresh, ripe tomatoes and basic ingredients, my homemade roasted tomato soup is a take on the traditional dish. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their taste and brings out their inherent sweetness, making for a hearty and filling soup. Every bite of this recipe, which is the sort I grew up with, evokes feelings of coziness and fondness.

ingredients

Campari Tomatoes – Campari tomatoes are known for their bright, sweet flavor and juiciness. They provide the base for the soup, giving it a rich, tangy tomato flavor that is slightly sweeter than regular tomatoes, which makes the soup more mellow and balanced

White Onion – White onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor when sautéed. It’s a key aromatic in the soup, creating a savory foundation and deepening the overall flavor profile. It also enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves introduce a pungent, earthy flavor that’s a classic savory addition to tomato-based dishes. Garlic adds depth and complexity to the soup, and when sautéed, it softens into a fragrant, mellow essence.

Heavy whipping cream – Heavy whipping cream adds a rich, creamy texture to the soup, making it smooth and velvety. It helps balance the flavors and gives the soup a luxurious, comforting finish.

Bone broth – Bone broth adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup, creating a smooth, velvety texture. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and makes the soup feel heartier and more comforting

Oregano – Fresh garlic cloves introduce a pungent, earthy flavor that’s a classic savory addition to tomato-based dishes. Garlic adds depth and complexity to the soup, and when sautéed, it softens into a fragrant, mellow essence.

Garlic powder – Garlic powder is a more subtle and concentrated version of fresh garlic. It helps enhance the garlic flavor in the soup, contributing a savory depth without the sharpness of fresh garlic. It also blends well with other seasonings.

Onion powder – Onion powder adds a mild onion flavor that works in tandem with the fresh onion, reinforcing the savory base and enriching the overall flavor. It’s a great way to boost the soup’s umami without overwhelming it.

Salt – Salt is essential for enhancing and balancing all the other flavors in the soup. It brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, the depth of the garlic, and the herbal notes from the oregano. Without salt, the soup would taste flat.

Pepper – Black pepper adds a hint of heat and spice to the soup, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the garlic and onions. It rounds out the flavor, making the soup feel more vibrant and dynamic.

Recipe

Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high temperature will help caramelize the tomatoes, onion, and garlic, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.

While the oven heats up, cut the Campari tomatoes and white onion into chunks. Peel and smash the garlic cloves, then place all the vegetables onto a baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture, followed by the oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

Place the prepared vegetables in the oven and roast for 40 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even roasting. Keep an eye on the mixture to prevent it from burning. The goal is to allow the tomatoes to soften and the edges to caramelize, intensifying the flavors.

Once the vegetables are roasted, transfer them into a large pot. Use an immersion blender to blend everything until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can blend the mixture in a food processor or a regular blender in batches. Blend until the soup reaches your desired texture.

Stir in 1 cup of bone broth and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to the blended mixture. This adds a creamy richness to the soup while balancing out the roasted flavors. Heat the soup over medium heat until it’s warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Once the soup is heated, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and enjoy this comforting, velvety soup!

How to Store Tomato Soup

Allow the tomato soup to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate.

How Long It’s Good For

Your homemade tomato soup will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Helpful Tips & Tricks for Making Tomato Soup

1. Use Ripe Tomatoes
   The riper your tomatoes, the sweeter and more flavorful your soup will be. Look for tomatoes that are deep red and slightly soft to the touch. Campari tomatoes are an excellent choice due to their sweetness.
2. Roast the Vegetables for Deeper Flavor
   Roasting the tomatoes, onions, and garlic in the oven caramelizes the natural sugars, adding a rich, smoky depth to the soup. This step helps enhance the overall flavor, so don’t skip it!
3. Balance Acidity with Sugar or Baking Soda
   If your soup tastes too acidic, add a small pinch of baking soda or a teaspoon of sugar. Both will help neutralize the acidity from the tomatoes, creating a smoother, more balanced flavor.
4. Use Bone Broth for Extra Depth
   Bone broth adds an incredible savory richness to your tomato soup, boosting the umami flavor. If you prefer a lighter soup, vegetable broth is also a good option, but bone broth provides an extra layer of flavor.
5. Add Fresh Herbs at the End
   Fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, add a burst of freshness to your tomato soup. Add them toward the end of cooking, so they don’t lose their bright flavor during the long cooking process.
6. Blend for a Smooth Texture
   Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot, or transfer it to a blender or food processor for a smooth, creamy texture. You can blend the soup to your preferred consistency, whether you like it velvety or a bit chunky.
7. Creamy Finish with Dairy or Non-Dairy Options
   For a rich, creamy finish, stir in heavy cream or coconut cream. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half or a plant-based milk like oat milk. Adjust to your preference for creaminess and richness.
8. Serve with Crusty Bread or Grilled Cheese
   Tomato soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, or try a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combo. These sides elevate the meal and provide a satisfying contrast to the soup’s smooth texture. Here is my recipe for Grilled Cheese.
9. Freeze Leftovers for Later
   Tomato soup freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency.
10. Experiment with Spices
    While classic tomato soup uses oregano and garlic, feel free to experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. Adjust the spices to suit your personal taste.
11. Add a Dash of Vinegar for Brightness
    A splash of vinegar (white wine, apple cider, or balsamic) added at the end can help bring a subtle tangy balance to the soup, cutting through the creaminess and enhancing the overall flavors.