Ina Garten Tomato Basil Soup

This Ina Garten Tomato Basil Soup recipe is rich and comforting, which uses ripe plum tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s a beginner-friendly roasted tomato soup, ready in about 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Ina Garten Tomato Basil Soup Ingredients

• 3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) canned plum tomatoes, with their juice
• 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 quart chicken stock or water

How To Make Ina Garten Tomato Basil Soup

1. Roast the tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss fresh plum tomatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: In a large stockpot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil, butter, and red pepper flakes over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and cook for 10 minutes, until onions start to brown.
3. Combine ingredients: Add canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, chicken stock, and roasted tomatoes (including juices from the pan) to the pot.
4. Simmer the soup: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes to thicken and concentrate flavors.
5. Blend until smooth: Pass through a food mill with the coarsest blade or blend in batches with a blender until desired texture is reached.
6. Serve hot or cold: Taste for seasoning and serve immediately or chill for later.

Recipe Tips

• How to roast tomatoes for soup: Spread them in a single layer so they caramelize evenly.
• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? Fresh basil is strongly recommended for flavor; dried basil won’t give the same result.
• How to make the soup creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after blending.
• Can I make it vegetarian or vegan? Use water or vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and skip the butter (or use plant-based butter).
• Best way to blend hot soup: Always blend in small batches or use an immersion blender to avoid spills.

What To Serve With Tomato Basil Soup

This soup pairs beautifully with sandwiches or light sides. Try serving with:

• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Fresh baguette or crusty artisan bread
• Simple side salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables or a cheese platter

How To Store Tomato Basil Soup

Refrigerate: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Tomato Basil Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 108 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Do I have to peel the tomatoes first?
No, roasting softens the skins, and blending creates a smooth texture.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, but roasting fresh tomatoes gives deeper flavor. Use high-quality canned tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Snickerdoodles
• Ina Garten Blue Cheese Crackers
• Ina Garten Chicken With Morels