This hearty and flavorful soup is a delightful twist on the classic tomato soup. By roasting tomatoes with smoked paprika, garlic, and olive oil, the natural sweetness of the tomatoes is enhanced, and a subtle smoky depth is introduced. The result is a rich, comforting soup that’s perfect for cooler days or when you’re craving something both satisfying and nourishing. With just a touch of cream to finish, this soup remains light yet indulgent. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Smoky Roasted Tomatoes:
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1.5 kg (3 lb) ripe tomatoes (regular or roma), halved and cored
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5 unpeeled garlic cloves
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1½ tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp kosher salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
For the Soup:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, finely minced
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1 onion, diced
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1 liter (4 cups) low-sodium vegetable stock
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½ tsp white sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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½ cup (125 ml) cream (optional, or substitute with 2 tbsp butter)
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¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
Directions
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Roast the Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Arrange the halved tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat, ensuring the cut sides of the tomatoes are facing up. Roast for 40–45 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly charred.
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Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the roasted tomatoes (squeezing the softened garlic out of its skins) and vegetable stock to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
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Finish and Serve: Stir in the cream (if using) and adjust seasoning with sugar, salt, or pepper as desired. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 240 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 19 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 18 g
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Saturated Fat: 7 g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
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Cholesterol: 27 mg
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Sodium: 489 mg
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Potassium: 798 mg
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Fiber: 5 g
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Sugar: 11 g
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Vitamin A: 3146 IU
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Vitamin C: 44 mg
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Calcium: 61 mg
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Iron: 1 mg
Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup: A Perfect Comfort Food
Tomato soup is a classic favorite for many, often evoking memories of childhood and comforting moments spent with loved ones. However, this smoky roasted tomato soup takes the traditional recipe to new heights. The combination of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and smoked paprika infuses this dish with layers of flavor that add a unique and inviting twist. This recipe not only offers a more complex flavor profile than the typical tomato soup, but also provides a rich, velvety texture and a hint of smokiness that makes it stand out as a comforting and indulgent option.
The roasting process of tomatoes is essential in transforming their natural sweetness, deepening their flavor and providing the soup with a more intense, smoky base. When you roast the tomatoes and garlic at high heat, the sugars in the tomatoes caramelize, resulting in a richer, sweeter flavor. Meanwhile, the smoked paprika adds an earthy, smoky depth that perfectly complements the tomatoes’ natural acidity, creating a balance that will leave you craving more.
This smoky roasted tomato soup can be a meal on its own, especially when paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, or served as a starter for a larger dinner. It is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for cozy nights in, especially when you are in the mood for something hearty yet light at the same time.
The Benefits of Using Roasted Tomatoes
Roasting tomatoes brings out the best in these juicy, flavorful fruits. Many people are unaware of the full potential of roasted tomatoes, often only using them in their raw form for salads or salsas. However, roasting is a game-changer when it comes to maximizing the tomatoes’ natural flavors.
When tomatoes are roasted, their sugars undergo a process called caramelization, which intensifies their sweetness. The heat breaks down the cell walls and releases the natural juices, resulting in a richer, fuller flavor. This is why roasted tomatoes often taste sweeter and more concentrated than their fresh counterparts. Additionally, roasting tomatoes also softens their skin, making them easier to blend into a smooth and silky soup.
Another benefit of roasting tomatoes is that the high heat allows them to release some of their moisture, creating a thicker, more concentrated base for your soup. This helps the soup maintain a hearty consistency without being overly watery, giving it a velvety mouthfeel that is sure to satisfy.
Why Smoked Paprika Makes a Difference
Smoked paprika is a key ingredient in this recipe that elevates the overall flavor of the soup. As the name suggests, smoked paprika is made by drying peppers over a fire, imparting a smoky flavor that can range from mild to spicy, depending on the variety. It adds a depth of flavor that regular paprika simply can’t provide, transforming an ordinary tomato soup into something extraordinary.
Smoked paprika’s mild heat and deep, smoky flavor balance the acidity of the roasted tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of savory notes. While it is not an overwhelming flavor, it is still noticeable and contributes to the overall richness of the soup. Smoked paprika is a pantry staple that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from stews and sauces to roasted vegetables and meats. In this soup, it becomes the perfect complement to the caramelized tomatoes, enriching the flavor profile without overpowering the natural sweetness.
The Creamy Finish: To Add or Not to Add?
A small amount of cream is added to this smoky roasted tomato soup at the end of the cooking process to provide a luscious, smooth texture. The cream helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the richness of the dish, making it feel indulgent without being heavy. However, whether or not you choose to add cream depends on your preference.
For a lighter version of the soup, you can skip the cream and instead add a tablespoon or two of butter, which will still provide richness but with fewer calories. Alternatively, for a dairy-free or vegan option, you could substitute the cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream. This way, you can still enjoy the luxurious, velvety texture without compromising your dietary needs.
Ultimately, the decision to include cream or not is entirely up to you, but it’s important to remember that a little goes a long way in creating a comforting, rich soup that is perfect for all seasons.
The Importance of Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is a wonderful garnish for this smoky roasted tomato soup, adding a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm, rich flavors of the soup. Basil has a sweet, slightly peppery taste that complements the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor profile. Adding fresh basil at the end of the cooking process preserves its vibrant green color and delicate aroma, providing a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens up each spoonful.
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you could also use a sprinkle of dried basil, but fresh basil is always recommended for the best taste and appearance. Other herbs that could work well as garnishes for this soup include parsley, oregano, or thyme. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, allowing you to experiment and customize the soup to your liking.
Nutritional Benefits of Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup
Beyond its comforting taste, this smoky roasted tomato soup offers a number of nutritional benefits. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which are important for maintaining healthy skin, immune function, and vision. Vitamin A, in particular, plays a role in supporting healthy cell growth, while vitamin C helps to protect the body from oxidative stress and supports collagen production.
Tomatoes are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. Lycopene is especially abundant in cooked tomatoes, making this soup an even better option for those looking to increase their antioxidant intake.
The addition of garlic in this recipe further enhances its health benefits. Garlic is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, as well as its potential to lower cholesterol levels and support heart health. It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which can contribute to overall wellness.
Furthermore, the soup’s healthy fats come from olive oil, which is high in monounsaturated fats. These fats are known to be heart-healthy and can help improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and support overall cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
Smoky roasted tomato soup is more than just a simple bowl of soup – it’s a deeply flavorful and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the richness of smoked paprika and the velvety texture of cream. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cool evening or serving it up as part of a larger meal, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe truly special is the depth of flavor that comes from roasting the tomatoes and adding just the right touch of smoked paprika. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that can be customized to suit your preferences, from the amount of cream you use to the herbs you choose to garnish it with. Plus, the nutritional benefits make it an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in a healthy and satisfying meal.