Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
Tomato Soup
My roasted tomato soup is strictly for tomato lovers! Luscious and silky, and easy too. Roasting the tomatoes, and the other ingredients is what imparts the depth of the flavors and adds a smoky layer. Once the roasting is done, you’re in the home stretch.
There are lots of us tomato lovers out there! Who knew the modest tomato could produce such a luxurious dish? Vegetarian to boot.
Don’t change anything in the seasonings
Every single ingredient does its magic in this heavenly tomato soup. Thyme and rosemary? Yes, I am aware I am veering off the time honored tomato-basil route, but not for long. Besides, we are always happy to find more ways to glorify the tomato. The more ways to eat them when they are in their full summer glory the better. I often serve it at Seder dinners, or other long and elaborate dinners, not only to knock their socks off but also to mitigate the length and richness of the feast. Try the tomato soup cold too sometime!
Only plum tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes will do.
They are the meatiest and contain the least moisture. Do not attempt to make the tomato soup with other varieties of tomatoes, as they won’t stand up to roasting. Grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and other very juicy tomatoes are wonderful in salads, so save them for these treats.
Cold Tomato Soup
This soup is delicious hot or cold. Ha, move over Gazpacho, you’re not the only game in town. I love you both, but it’s great to change it up sometimes!
Don’t skip the saffron!
I couldn’t live without its magic. Get yourself the ounce box, it will be the most cost effective, and you’ll be encouraged to use it in many more dishes.
Garnishes
All optional. A few croutons, a little grated parmesan, a swirl of plain yogurt or sour cream: that’s all you need!
Ingredients
- 5 pounds best-quality tomatoes (about 7–8 large beefsteak, or 18 plum tomatoes), split across, quartered if using the beefsteak ones
- 3 heads garlic, points sliced off, leaving the cloves exposed
- 4 medium purple onions, peeled and split across
- 3 red peppers, halved and seeded
- Sea salt to taste
- Vegetable oil spray
- 10 cups water (21⁄2 quarts) 1⁄2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup dry white wine (liquor stores)
- 2 cups tomato juice
- 1⁄4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 4 sprigs rosemary, 2 if they are very large, leaves only
- 6 sprigs thyme, leaves only
- 2 good pinches saffron threads
- Ground pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the first set of ingredients on a cookie sheet lined with foil or parchment and spray generously with vegetable oil spray. Roast for about 45 minutes until the vegetables look charred (the garlic heads might take a little longer). As soon as they are cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic heads until all the flesh is forced out of its skin into a wide heavy pot. Add the other roasted vegetables and all remaining ingredients except pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the flame to medium and cook covered for 30 minutes.
Add the ground pepper. If you used whole rosemary and thyme sprigs, discard them at this point. Cream with an immersion blender until perfectly smooth. Adjust the texture and seasonings.
Serve hot or chilled.
Top with croutons, plain yogurt or sour creams, or grated parmesan if desired. Makes a dozen ample servings.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!