Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup

Soups
Written By Hamlet Wokingham

Serves: 4-6 portions

Ingredients:

  • 6 ripe tomatoes, halved

  • 1 large onion, chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 15g fresh basil leaves, chopped

  • 30ml olive oil

  • 1L vegetable broth

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 120ml heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C. While the oven is heating, prepare the tomatoes.

  2. Roast the Tomatoes: Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 15ml of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the remaining 15ml of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.

  4. Add the Roasted Tomatoes: Once the tomatoes are roasted, add them to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.

  5. Simmer the Soup: Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  6. Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired level of smoothness. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.

  7. Add the Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season the soup with additional salt and pepper, to taste.

  8. Finish with Cream (Optional): If you like a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream at this point. If you prefer a lighter soup, you can skip the cream.

  9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic soup, made with the finest local ingredients.

This Roasted Tomato and Basil Soup is a delightful and heartwarming dish that showcases the best of local produce. At Hamlet Wokingham, we take pride in bringing the finest local products to the heart of Berkshire, and this soup is a testament to that commitment. Enjoy it as a starter or a light meal, and savor the taste of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Hamlet Wokingham https://hamletwokingham.co.uk