Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

This is one of the best homemade soups, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, caramelized onions and a few extra (optional) add-ins for extra creaminess. This easy tomato basil soup recipe is full of flavor and the best way to use up garden tomatoes! You'll never want to go back to the canned stuff after you try this.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. Roma or plum tomatoes, cut in half

• 8 cloves of garlic, peeled

• 3 tbs. olive oil

• freshly ground salt

• freshly ground pepper

• For the caramelized onions:

• ½ tablespoon olive oil

• 2 yellow onions, thinly sliced

• Additions to the soup:

• ½ cup packed basil leaves

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• 1-2 cups water or vegetarian broth, depending on how thick you want the soup

• Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional add ins:

• Light/Regular coconut milk for a creamy vegan soup

• Whole dairy milk/heavy cream for a creamy texture (substitute non-dairy alternative)

• Parmesan cheese, for a tangy, flavor enhancing flavor

• A tablespoon or two of butter, for richer flavor

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place halved tomatoes and garlic cloves on the baking sheet and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Generously season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes.Add the basil and pulse until combined.

• While the tomatoes are roasting, you can make the caramelized onions: Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to a large pot and place over medium heat. Add the onion slices and stir to coat the onions with olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally. Check onions every 5-10 minutes until they have completely caramelized and turned golden in color. This usually takes 20 minutes.

• Once tomatoes and garlic are done roasting, allow them to cool for 10 minutes, then add them to a food processor or high powered blender and blend until smooth. Next add basil and caramelized onions and blend again. Alternatively you can add the tomatoes to the large pot and use an immersion blender. It's really just about what you have available to you.

• After blending, transfer back to pot, turn to medium low heat and add in oregano, vegetarian broth and salt and pepper to taste. From there you can add in any additional add-ons you want (as listed in the ingredients). Allow tomato soup to simmer 10 minutes before serving. To serve, garnish with parmesan cheese and serve with grilled cheese, if desired. Serves 4.

• Preparation time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 0 minutes

• Total time: 5 minutes

• Total servings: 1 cup