Smoked Tomato and Basil Soup
Savor the rich, bold flavors of this Smoked Tomato and Basil Soup a cozy classic with a delicious smoky twist! Juicy tomatoes are roasted and infused with a subtle smoky flavor, then blended with fresh basil for a smooth, comforting bowl of goodness. Perfect for chilly days or a quick, satisfying meal, this easy soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or grilled cheese. Simple, flavorful, and incredibly comforting, it’s a must-try for soup lovers. Save this smoky tomato soup recipe for your next cozy craving!
Ingredients
- Base Soup
- 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripe), halved
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (optional for richer texture)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1–2 drops liquid smoke (optional, use sparingly)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh Herb Finish
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 tablespoon butter or cream (optional for richness)
- Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil ribbons
- A swirl of cream
- Croutons
- Shaved Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast the Vegetables : Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange tomatoes (cut-side up), garlic, and onions on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until softened and slightly charred for smokiness.
- Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base : Transfer roasted vegetables to a large pot. Add broth, crushed tomatoes (if using), smoked paprika, and a tiny drop of liquid smoke. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Step 3: Blend the Soup : Use an immersion blender to purée directly in the pot. For a smoother texture, transfer to a blender in batches. Return blended soup to the pot if needed.
- Step 4: Add Basil and Finish : Roughly tear basil leaves and stir into the soup. Optionally stir in 1 tablespoon butter or a splash of cream for silkiness. Simmer for 1–2 additional minutes and adjust seasonings.
- Step 5: Serve : Ladle into bowls. Add garnishes such as basil ribbons, cream swirl, Parmesan, or croutons.