This tomato basil soup recipe comes from chef Clodagh McKenna, and it’s a lovely one to have in your back pocket. It’s simple to put together, and it’s the perfect way to use up a glut of fresh tomatoes and basil if you’ve been growing your own. Roasting the tomatoes first brings out their natural sweetness, and a splash of balsamic vinegar rounds out the flavour beautifully.
It’s a great soup for the whole family — warming, comforting, and easy enough to make on a weeknight.
Ingredients
- 800g cherry or plum tomatoes, cut in half
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 red onion, cut into large chunks
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 10 basil leaves, torn
- 500ml chicken or vegetable stock
- Sea salt and black pepper
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Put the tomatoes, garlic and onion in an ovenproof dish. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
2. Using clean hands, massage all the ingredients together for about 5 minutes — this helps bring out the flavour of the soup.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Once out of the oven, let the tomatoes cool slightly, then tip them into a large bowl with the fresh basil leaves. Leave the basil to infuse for about a minute.
4. Pour the stock into a saucepan, stir in the roasted tomatoes and basil, and place over a low heat for 20 minutes.
5. To serve, top each bowl with a piece of toasted baguette and some melted parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup smoother?
Yes — once the tomatoes and stock have simmered together, you can blend the soup with a stick blender or in a food processor for a smoother, more velvety texture. Leave it chunky if you prefer a rustic soup.
Can I use tinned tomatoes instead of fresh?
This recipe is built around roasting fresh tomatoes to bring out their sweetness, so fresh is best here. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, a good quality tinned tomato can work in a pinch, though the flavour and texture will be a little different.
Can I freeze tomato basil soup?
Yes, this type of soup freezes well. Cool it fully before freezing in an airtight container, and thaw and reheat gently on the hob before serving.
What can I serve with tomato basil soup?
Toasted baguette with melted parmesan is a lovely simple option, as suggested above. It also pairs well with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting family lunch.
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If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll probably love these too:
- Pea & Mint Soup
- Roasted Potato Leek Soup
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