Roasted tomato soup

Roasted Tomato Soup – a delicacy that combines the flavor and fresh aromas of vegetables, bringing a touch of sunshine to every bowl. This simple and quick soup recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and comforting meal, whether it’s for a festive dinner or an ordinary day.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg ripe tomatoes (choose meaty tomatoes for a richer soup)
- 5 carrots (preferably young and sweet ones)
- 1 parsley root (with leaves, for added flavor)
- 3 green onions (for a fresher note)
- 3 cloves of garlic (choose fresh garlic, not dried)
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme (if possible)
- A bit of fresh basil (generously, for an intense aroma)
- Coarse sea salt (to taste)
- Mixed pepper (for a more complex flavor)
- Olive oil (high quality, to enhance the flavors)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the tomatoes well under a cold water stream. Cut them in half so that the juice is released during baking. Peel the carrots, parsley root, and garlic, then wash them thoroughly. The carrots can be cut into larger pieces, and the parsley root can be left whole or cut in half, depending on your preference. Slice the green onions into rounds, including the green part, to add color to the soup.

2. Arranging the vegetables
Place all the vegetables on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and help achieve a lightly caramelized crust. Sprinkle coarse sea salt and mixed pepper over the vegetables, add the thyme sprigs and basil, and drizzle everything with olive oil, making sure to coat all the ingredients evenly.

3. Baking the vegetables
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the vegetables for 30-35 minutes. You will know they are ready when the tomatoes become soft and slightly browned, and the carrots are cooked but still retain their crunch. This baking process will intensify the flavors and add a sweet note to the soup.

4. Blending the soup
Once the vegetables are ready, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly. This step is important to avoid burns when handling hot vegetables. Transfer the vegetables to a blender. Add a little water (or vegetable broth if you want a more complex flavor) and blend everything until you achieve a smooth consistency. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a creamier soup, you can add a splash of cream or Greek yogurt, but it’s not strictly necessary.

5. Serving the soup
The roasted tomato soup can be served hot or cold, depending on your preferences. A wonderful idea is to serve it with crunchy bread croutons, which can be quickly made from toasted bread drizzled with a little olive oil and garlic.

Practical tips:

- Choosing tomatoes: Opt for seasonal tomatoes, as they will provide the best flavor. Meaty and juicy tomatoes are the most suitable for this recipe.
- Vegetarian option: This soup is already vegetarian, but you can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to diversify the taste.
- Preserving the flavor: Use fresh herbs for a more intense taste. If you don't have fresh thyme and basil, dried herbs will work, but the quantities will need to be reduced as they are more concentrated.
- Reducing cooking time: If you are in a hurry, you can use canned tomatoes, but the taste will be different. In this case, you don’t need to bake them, just add them directly to the blender with the fresh vegetables.

Nutritional benefits:

This roasted tomato soup is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, while onions and garlic provide a significant amount of nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but the taste will be different. Fresh tomatoes provide a more intense flavor and a more pleasant texture.

- How can I make the soup spicier?
Add a few slices of hot pepper during baking or a pinch of red pepper flakes during blending.

- Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, the soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezing containers.

What pairs well with roasted tomato soup?

This soup is wonderful alongside a slice of fresh bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. Additionally, a simple green salad with lemon dressing can perfectly complete the meal. If you want a drink, a dry white wine or fresh lemonade will add an extra touch of freshness.

Personal note:

This roasted tomato soup recipe has become my family's favorite, especially in the summer months when tomatoes are in season. I love serving it with a few fresh basil leaves on top, which gives it an attractive appearance and an irresistible aroma. Experiment with different combinations of herbs and vegetables, and you will discover new favorites each time!

We wish you great success in preparing this delicious soup. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg tomatoes, 5 carrots, parsley root with leaves, 3 green onions, 3 cloves of garlic, fresh thyme, fresh basil, coarse sea salt, olive oil, mosaic pepper, coarse sea salt.