Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup

Homemade Roasted Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (28 oz) high-quality tomatoes (e.g., San Marzano or Bianco DiNapoli)

• 2 lbs Roma tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes

• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and quartered

• 1 medium sweet onion, cut into wedges

• 6 garlic cloves, peeled

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for drizzling

• 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

• 1/2 cup 2% farm-fresh milk

• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil)

• 1 tbsp of fresh pesto (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Roast the Vegetables

• Arrange the halved Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, yellow pepper, onion wedges, and garlic cloves on a large baking sheet.

• Drizzle with olive oil, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

• Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized.

3. Prepare the Soup Base

• In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of EVOO over medium heat. Add the canned tomatoes (with their juices) and bring to a simmer.

• Stir in the roasted vegetables and garlic. Add the stock and dried basil. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Blend the Soup

• Use a hand blender (immersion blender) to blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend partially or leave some chunks intact.

• Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender (be cautious with hot liquids).

5. Finish the Soup

• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and milk. Adjust the consistency with additional stock or milk, if needed.

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar (if desired). Add a spoonful of pesto for depth, if using.

6. Serve

• Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle with a touch of EVOO and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese on the side.

Enjoy your rich, flavorful tomato soup! The combination of roasted vegetables, high-quality canned tomatoes, and fresh milk makes it irresistibly creamy and comforting.