Delicious Tomato Basil Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The host introduces the concept of making roasted basil tomato soup from scratch, highlighting the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients. The emphasis is on creating a homemade soup that far surpasses the quality and taste of canned soups.

Ingredients

• Fresh tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil (preferably basil-infused for added flavor)
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh thyme
• Crushed tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Sugar
• Chicken or vegetable stock
• Cream

Preparation Steps

1. Roast the Tomatoes: Slice fresh tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with basil-infused olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about an hour.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt butter with a bit of olive oil. Add diced onions and cook until translucent before adding minced garlic.

3. Add Seasonings: Incorporate fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper to the onion and garlic mixture, allowing the flavors to meld together.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted tomatoes and crushed tomatoes to the pot. Stir in fresh basil and a touch of sugar to balance the acidity.

5. Simmer: Pour in chicken or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.

6. Puree the Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, cool the soup slightly and blend in batches using a stand blender.

7. Finish with Cream: Stir in cream to add richness and a smooth texture to the soup.

8. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and accompany with cheese toast or your choice of bread for dipping.

Conclusion

This homemade roasted basil tomato soup recipe transforms simple ingredients into a warm, comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. The use of fresh tomatoes, enhanced by roasting and complemented by basil-infused olive oil, creates a depth of flavor that canned soups can't match. The process is straightforward, and the result is a creamy, rich soup that's sure to satisfy.