Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

Introduction

This smoky roasted tomato soup brings a rich, charred depth to a classic comfort dish. Roasting the tomatoes with garlic and smoked paprika enhances the flavors, making it perfect for cozy evenings. Pair it with grilled cheese for the ultimate comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1.5kg (3 lb) tomatoes, halved, with cores removed
• 5 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for soup)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 litre (4 cups) low sodium vegetable stock or broth
• 1/2 tsp white sugar, plus more if needed
• 1/2 cup cream (optional; can substitute 30g/2 tbsp butter)
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Grilled cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C fan-forced. Place the halved tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking tray.
2. Step 2: Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic, then sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything to coat well, pressing the cut sides of the tomatoes into the oil on the tray. Arrange tomatoes cut side up.
3. Step 3: Roast in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tomatoes show some charring.
4. Step 4: While the tomatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Step 5: Remove the garlic cloves from the tray. Scrape the roasted tomatoes and their juices into the pot. Squeeze the soft garlic flesh from the roasted cloves into the pot and add the vegetable stock.
6. Step 6: Use a stick blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a food processor or blender for blending.
7. Step 7: Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium and continue simmering for 10 minutes. Stir in cream or butter if using, and add white sugar to taste if the soup needs balancing.
8. Step 8: Serve the soup ladled into bowls, drizzled with a little extra cream and garnished with fresh basil. Enjoy alongside grilled cheese for a comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, omit the cream and use a plant-based butter or coconut cream.
• If you prefer less smoky flavor, reduce or omit the smoked paprika.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes while sautéing the onion for a subtle kick.
• Use fresh homemade vegetable stock for a richer soup base.

Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This soup also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes can be used but the soup won’t have the same smoky roasted flavor. Consider adding smoked paprika and roasting some garlic for more depth.

Is it necessary to remove the garlic peel before adding to the soup?

No, roasting garlic unpeeled softens it and makes it easy to squeeze out the sweet roasted flesh, which adds a mellow garlic flavor without harshness.

Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 431 reviews

A rich and flavorful smoky roasted tomato soup made by roasting tomatoes and garlic with smoked paprika, then blending them into a creamy soup, perfect for warming up and serving alongside a grilled cheese sandwich.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Smoky Roasted Tomatoes

• 1.5kg / 3 lb tomatoes, halved with a “V” cut to remove the core
• 5 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 litre (4 cups) vegetable stock/broth, low sodium
• 1/2 tsp+ white sugar, only if needed
• 1/2 cup cream (optional), plus extra for drizzling (can substitute with 30g / 2 tbsp butter)
• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)

For Serving

• Grilled cheese sandwich

Instructions

1. Roast Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F (200°C fan-forced). Place the halved tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on a tray. Drizzle with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat, pressing the cut surface of the tomatoes into the oil to ensure thorough coverage. Arrange tomatoes cut face up and roast for 40 to 45 minutes until charred in spots.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add Roasted Tomatoes: Remove the garlic cloves from the baking tray and squeeze the softened garlic flesh into the pot. Scrape all roasted tomatoes and their juices from the tray into the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour in the vegetable stock.
4. Blend Soup: Use a stick blender to blend the tomato mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a food processor or blender and puree until creamy.
5. Simmer Soup: Bring the blended soup to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and gently simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cream or butter if using, and add white sugar to taste if needed to balance acidity.
6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with extra cream, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping and enjoy.

Notes

• Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for best results.
• Smoked paprika adds depth and smokiness but can be omitted if unavailable.
• White sugar is added only if the soup tastes too acidic after roasting.
• Cream can be substituted with butter for a dairy-rich alternative; both add richness.
• Fresh basil is optional but adds a fresh herbal note to the soup garnish.

Keywords: roasted tomato soup, smoky tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, roasted garlic soup, comfort soup, grilled cheese soup pairing