Ina Garten’s Cozy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe / Weeknight Magic

Sumptuous ina garten tomato basil soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that warms both body and soul.

Garden-fresh tomatoes mingle with aromatic herbs, creating a symphony of robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich, velvety textures promise comfort in each spoonful, inviting you to savor every nuanced bite.

The careful balance of ingredients whispers tales of rustic Italian kitchens and sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes.

Robust red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that tingles with subtle complexity.

Slow-roasted ingredients develop deep, concentrated flavors that elevate this classic soup beyond simple sustenance.

How to Make Tomato Soup Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Gather fresh tomatoes and prepare baking sheet.

• Whole tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes until edges caramelize and tomatoes look slightly charred.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat large stockpot over medium flame. Warm olive oil and butter.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes
• Butter

Sauté ingredients together, stirring frequently until onions turn golden brown and develop rich flavor, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Add remaining ingredients to stockpot.

• Canned tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Thyme
• Chicken stock
• Roasted tomatoes with pan liquid

Stir components together and bring mixture to gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce heat and let soup simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Allow ingredients to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Create Smooth Texture

Carefully process soup using food mill or blender. Work in small batches to ensure smooth consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into bowls. Serve hot or chilled with fresh basil garnish. Pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwich.

Tips for Smooth, Rich Tomato Flavor

• Maximize Tomato Sweetness: Roasting tomatoes concentrates their natural sugars, creating a deeper, more intense flavor profile for the soup.
• Elevate Herb Freshness: Chop basil and thyme just before adding to release their essential oils, boosting the soup's aromatic qualities.
• Create Flavor Depth: Caramelize onions and garlic slowly, allowing them to develop a rich, sweet undertone that complements the tomatoes.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust simmering time to achieve your desired thickness, letting the liquid reduce naturally for a more intense taste.
• Blend with Precision: Cool the soup slightly before blending to prevent steam buildup and potential kitchen accidents, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture.

Storing Tomato Soup the Easy Way

• Freeze Whole: Seal the soup in heavy-duty freezer bags, removing all air to prevent freezer burn. Lay bags flat to save space and enable faster, more even thawing. Label each bag with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigerate Smart: Transfer soup to glass containers with tight-sealing lids to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Keep soup near the front of the refrigerator for quick access and consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste.
• Portion Control: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing. Use small containers or silicone freezer molds to create perfect single-serving portions. This method allows quick defrosting and reduces food waste by thawing only what you need.

Tomato Soup Variants for a Fun Twist

• Roasted Pepper Tomato Soup: Replace half the tomatoes with roasted red bell peppers for a smoky, deeper flavor profile. The peppers add a subtle sweetness and complexity to the classic soup.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate fresh oregano and a splash of white wine during sautéing. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a Greek-inspired touch.
• Creamy Coconut Version: Swap chicken stock with coconut milk and add a touch of ginger. Blend in some fresh cilantro for a tropical, velvety soup that brings unexpected warmth and richness.
• Spicy Chorizo Tomato Soup: Brown diced chorizo sausage before sautéing onions, allowing the spicy oils to infuse the base. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of robust, southwestern-inspired flavor.

Tomato Basil Soup Summary

Garten’s tomato basil soup emerges as culinary poetry, blending roasted intensity with herbaceous whispers.

Mediterranean sunshine dances through each spoonful, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary comfort.

Professional kitchens and home cooks alike can master this elegant recipe with surprising ease.

Rich flavors meld seamlessly, revealing depth beyond traditional soup expectations.

Fresh basil and carefully roasted tomatoes create symphonic complexity that lingers deliciously.

Passionate palates craving authentic experiences: share this recipe, comment below, spread delectable inspiration across social platforms and inspire fellow cooking enthusiasts.

What Makes Tomato Basil Soup So Loved

• Roast for Rich Flavor: Oven-roasting tomatoes concentrates their natural sweetness and creates an intense, caramelized depth that transforms this simple soup into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Quick and Foolproof Technique: The straightforward method requires minimal chopping and uses basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Versatile Comfort Classic: This soup delivers incredible comfort whether served steaming hot on a chilly evening or refreshingly cold during summer, proving it's an adaptable recipe that works year-round for lunch, dinner, or as a starter.
• Fresh Herb Magic: Fresh basil and thyme infuse the soup with bright, aromatic notes that elevate the tomato's natural richness, creating a harmonious blend of garden-fresh flavors in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Tomato Basil Bliss

• Tomatoes: Ripe, sweet tomatoes bring a rich, concentrated flavor when roasted and provide the soup's base.
• Onions: Sweet onions add depth and aromatic base to the soup's overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic creates a robust, deep underlying taste that complements the tomatoes.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves introduce a bright, herbaceous note to the soup.
• Thyme: Dried or fresh thyme provides an earthy, subtle herb undertone.

• Chicken Stock: Provides liquid base and adds extra savory depth to the soup.
• Canned Tomatoes: Consistent tomato flavor and additional liquid for the soup.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for roasting tomatoes and sautéing vegetables, adds richness.
• Butter: Adds creamy texture and enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and subtle spiciness to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the soup's flavors.

Ina Garten Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s tomato basil soup brings Mediterranean warmth to home kitchens with rich, velvety textures and garden-fresh ingredients. Hearty roasted tomatoes and fragrant basil blend seamlessly, creating a comforting classic you’ll savor from first spoonful to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• 1 (28-ounce) (794 grams) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice
• 4 cups (120 grams) fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1-quart (946 milliliters) chicken stock or water

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (300 grams) chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Fats and Oils:

• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 milliliters) good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Initiate roasting by heating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Gently combine fresh tomatoes with olive oil, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Arrange tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes until caramelized and intensely flavored.
2. In a large 8-quart (7.6 liters) stockpot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, unsalted butter, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté the mixture for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions develop a golden-brown color and release a rich, sweet aroma.
3. Pour in canned tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, dried thyme, and chicken stock. Incorporate the previously roasted tomatoes along with their caramelized pan juices, creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Elevate the temperature and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and concentrate.
5. Transform the soup’s texture by processing through a food mill using the coarsest blade. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and puree in batches until smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve the soup immediately while steaming hot, or chill thoroughly for a refreshing cold version. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream if desired.

Notes

• Blend carefully, working in small batches to prevent messy kitchen accidents and achieve a silky-smooth texture that coats your spoon perfectly.
• Simmer uncovered, allowing natural liquid reduction and flavor concentration that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Sauté onions and garlic until deep golden brown, creating a robust flavor foundation that anchors the entire dish with rich, caramelized notes.
• Select fresh herbs like basil and thyme, preferring vibrant, just-picked leaves over dried alternatives to elevate the soup’s aromatic profile.
• Distribute roasted tomatoes in a single layer across the baking sheet, guaranteeing even caramelization and intensifying their natural sweetness through consistent heat exposure.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg