Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup is my answer to chilly weeknights when only pure comfort will do. Roasted tomatoes and mellow garlic come together in a luscious bowl that tastes like the best parts of summer and autumn all at once. Whether you serve it solo or with a buttery grilled cheese, it always delivers that cozy, homey vibe.

Ingredients

• Ripe organic tomatoes: Choose deeply colored and slightly soft tomatoes as they caramelize beautifully when roasted
• Garlic bulbs: Roasting whole bulbs turns garlic soft and mellow Avoid sprouting or shriveled bulbs for best results
• Onion: Chopped sweet onions help lay the flavor foundation Go for yellow or white onions not red
• Extra virgin olive oil: High quality olive oil brings silkiness and a subtle peppery note Look for cold pressed and check for freshness
• Organic heavy cream: Makes the soup velvety rich Use full fat for best mouthfeel Or opt for coconut cream for the vegan route
• Organic vegetable stock: Choose a low sodium version to control saltiness and maintain flavor clarity
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato essence forms the backbone of the soup For best taste use organic or double concentrate if available
• Sea salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances the acidity of tomatoes Use fine flakes for easier blending
• On Everything All-Purpose Blend: A homemade mix of dried herbs and spices brings complexity See my notes for the easy homemade version
• Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth Opt for authentic Spanish paprika for a deep color and aroma
• Grilled cheese sandwich: Optional but highly recommended Thick cut sourdough and melty cheese pair perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic:

Start by halving or quartering ripe tomatoes and cutting bulbs of garlic in half horizontally without peeling Rub all with olive oil and season well Arrange on a lined baking sheet and roast in a hot oven until the tomatoes are caramelized and the garlic is soft and fragrant This slow roasting builds a foundation of sweet depth

Sauté the Onions:

Heat a medium sized dutch oven over medium high heat Add a glug of olive oil and toss in chopped onions Cook slowly for one to two minutes until translucent and deeply fragrant Do not rush this step as it forms the flavor backbone

Blend Until Silky:

Once the garlic and tomatoes are cool enough to handle squeeze the garlic from their skins Toss roasted tomatoes and garlic into a blender Add sautéed onions tomato paste and vegetable stock Secure the lid and blend at high speed until the soup is completely smooth Reserve a spoonful or two of roasted tomatoes for garnish if you like

Simmer to Finish:

Pour the smooth tomato mixture back into the dutch oven over medium high heat Stir in the heavy cream salt all purpose blend and smoked paprika Mix until everything is cohesive Let it come up to a gentle boil for a minute then reduce heat to low and let simmer for five to six minutes so the soup thickens and flavors mingle

Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls Top with a few of the reserved roasted tomatoes Grab a thick cheesy grilled cheese sandwich and settle in for the coziest meal

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Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For longer storage ladle soup into freezer safe containers leaving space for expansion Freeze up to six months Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove stirring often

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegan version swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut cream or refrigerated coconut milk This will not only make the soup dairy free but brings a subtler sweetness Use dairy free cheese for your grilled cheese and the result is just as luscious If you lack smoked paprika sweet paprika works but adds less depth

Serving Suggestions

Classic grilled cheese is magic with this soup Sourdough or rustic bread works best Try with a dollop of vegan basil pesto on top or a swirl of extra cream For a heartier meal serve alongside a crisp salad or roasted chickpeas

Cultural Context

Creamy tomato soup has roots in both American and European kitchens with tomato purity and comfort at the core Roasting garlic and tomatoes is a classic Mediterranean technique that intensifies flavors and reduces acidity making each bite just a bit more special

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes can be used if fresh are unavailable. Opt for high quality, whole peeled tomatoes for best flavor.

→ What’s the best way to roast garlic for this dish?

Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until soft and golden, about 35-40 minutes.

→ How do I make this soup vegan?

Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or milk. For serving, use dairy-free cheese in your grilled cheese sandwich.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely. Cool the soup, store it in airtight containers, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

→ What herbs work best in this dish?

Fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley pair beautifully with the tomato and garlic, enhancing the overall flavor profile.