Quick & Comforting Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Barefoot Contessa roasted tomato basil soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Rich, vibrant flavors emerge from carefully selected produce transformed by gentle heat.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques unlock intense, concentrated tastes that dance across your palate.

Fresh herbs contribute remarkable complexity, elevating this classic comfort dish beyond traditional expectations.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious balance of robust and delicate notes.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this soul-warming recipe.

Home cooks of all skill levels can craft something truly memorable: prepare to fall in love with soup.

Fall for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Intensify Tomato Flavor: Roasting tomatoes concentrates their natural sweetness and creates deep, caramelized notes that transform an ordinary soup into an extraordinary culinary experience. The slow roasting process develops rich, complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Texture-Perfect Techniques: Offering flexibility between a rustic food mill finish and a silky smooth blender version means you can customize the soup's texture to match your personal preference. This adaptable approach ensures everyone can enjoy the soup exactly how they like it.
• Quick Weeknight Comfort: With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, this soup delivers maximum flavor without complicated techniques. From start to finish, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal in under two hours, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious, nourishing meals.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served warm on a chilly evening or chilled during summer months, this soup adapts beautifully to different seasons and occasions. Pair it with crusty bread or croutons for a complete, satisfying meal that works as a starter or main course.

Essential Picks for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Fresh Tomatoes: Sweet summer tomatoes with deep, concentrated flavor work best for roasting.
• Onions: Adds sweet base notes and helps build complex flavor profile.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and rich undertone to the soup.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil ensures rich, smooth roasting and cooking.
• Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps develop deeper flavor.
• Chicken Stock: Provides savory foundation and enhances overall soup depth.

• Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing natural vegetable flavors.
• Crushed Chili Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and warm background complexity.
• Basil: Fresh herb brings bright, classic Mediterranean summer taste.
• Thyme: Earthy herb complements tomato's natural sweetness.
• Tinned Tomatoes: Consistent base that adds extra tomato intensity.

Step-by-Step for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Prepare Roasting Ingredients

• Olive oil
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Ensure tomatoes are spread in a single layer without overcrowding.

Step 2: Roast Tomatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slide baking sheet into oven and roast tomatoes for 45-50 minutes. Watch for caramelized edges and slight charring. Tomatoes should look deeply golden and concentrated.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Cook over medium heat until onions become translucent and slightly golden, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Build Soup Base

• Roasted tomatoes
• Canned tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Dried thyme
• Chicken stock

Stir ingredients and bring to gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.

Step 5: Blend and Finish

Use immersion blender to puree soup until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For extra richness, swirl in heavy cream if desired.

Step 6: Serve Soup

Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with crusty bread or homemade croutons.

Insider Tips for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Select Seasonal Tomatoes: Grab vine-ripened, deep red tomatoes for the most intense, sweet flavor profile.
• Maximize Roasting Technique: Spread tomatoes in a single layer to ensure even caramelization and develop rich, concentrated taste.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Chop basil just before adding to preserve its bright, aromatic qualities and vibrant green color.
• Control Soup Texture: Use an immersion blender for smooth consistency or leave some chunks for rustic, homemade appeal.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Add salt and pepper gradually, tasting between additions to create a perfectly balanced soup.

Smart Storage for Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Freezing: Divide soup into portion-sized freezer-safe containers, leaving one inch of space for expansion. Label each container with the date and contents. Freeze for maximum three months to preserve the vibrant tomato and basil flavors. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and taste.
• Refrigeration: Store soup in a glass or ceramic airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to four days. Position the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to extend its shelf life and prevent flavor degradation.
• Reheating: Warm soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick.

Innovative Spins on Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Smoky Mediterranean Tomato Soup: Incorporate smoked paprika and roast bell peppers alongside tomatoes for a rich, deeper flavor profile. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt and sprinkle of za'atar when serving.
• Spicy Roasted Tomato Harvest Soup: Swap chilli flakes for fresh jalapeños and add diced carrots during roasting. Garnish with crispy chorizo bits and fresh cilantro for extra heat and complexity.
• Creamy Basil Garden Soup: Stir in heavy cream at the end of cooking for a luxurious texture. Include fresh zucchini during roasting and top with toasted pine nuts for elegant crunch and nutty undertones.
• Vegan Rustic Tomato Broth: Replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and use coconut oil instead of butter. Enhance with roasted garlic cloves and fresh herbs like oregano for a plant-based version with robust flavors.

Closing Reflections on Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Roasted tomato basil soup embodies culinary magic, transforming simple ingredients into liquid poetry.

Ina Garten’s recipe whispers Mediterranean warmth through each spoonful of complex flavors.

Rich caramelized tomatoes dance with aromatic herbs, creating symphonic comfort in a bowl.

Garden-fresh basil and slow-roasted tomatoes merge into seamless harmony, inviting sensory exploration.

Hearty yet elegant, this soup celebrates seasonal abundance with sophisticated simplicity.

Keen palates will cherish each nuanced layer – share this recipe, spark conversation, ignite delicious connections with friends who crave remarkable culinary experiences.

Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s roasted tomato basil soup delivers robust Mediterranean flavors with simple, fresh ingredients. Luxurious garden tomatoes roasted to caramelized perfection create a silky smooth experience you’ll savor down to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs) ripe plum tomatoes, halved lengthways
• 1 x 800g (28 oz) tin plum tomatoes, with juice
• 1 litre (4.2 cups or 33.8 fl oz) chicken stock (or water)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 large yellow onions (about 400 g or 14 oz), chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes
• 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed chilli flakes

Fats and Oils:

• 90 ml (3 fl oz) good-quality olive oil, divided
• 30 g (1 oz) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare for roasting by heating the oven to 392°F (200°C) or 356°F (180°C) for fan-assisted ovens. Drizzle fresh tomatoes with olive oil, sprinkling with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Spread tomatoes cut-side upward on a single layer across a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. Roast for approximately 45 minutes until edges become beautifully caramelized and slightly wrinkled.
3. While tomatoes roast, warm a large stockpot over medium heat. Add remaining olive oil and butter, then introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and crushed chili flakes.
4. Gently sauté the aromatics, stirring periodically, allowing onions to soften and develop a light golden color, which should take around 8-10 minutes.
5. Pour in canned tomatoes with their natural juices, followed by fresh basil leaves, thyme sprigs, and chicken stock. Transfer the roasted tomatoes and their accumulated pan juices into the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat to create a gentle simmer. Allow the soup to develop its flavors, uncovered, for roughly 40 minutes.
7. Transform the soup’s texture using either a food mill with its coarsest blade for a rustic consistency or an immersion blender for a silky-smooth finish.
8. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve piping hot or refreshingly chilled, accompanied by crusty artisan bread or crisp croutons.

Notes

• Blend tomatoes while warm to enhance natural sugars and release deeper flavors.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme or oregano for unique taste profiles.
• Reserve some roasted tomato chunks to create textural contrast in the smooth soup.
• Garnish with crispy pancetta or toasted pine nuts for unexpected crunch and richness.
• Cool leftovers quickly and store in airtight containers for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 216
• Sugar: 13.3g
• Sodium: 1,460mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7g
• Carbohydrates: 30.7g
• Fiber: 2.7g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg