Cozy Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

When summer’s abundance meets culinary magic, this roasted tomato basil soup recipe delivers pure comfort on a spoon.

Ripe, juicy tomatoes burst with incredible flavor when slow-roasted to caramelized perfection.

The Barefoot Contessa method concentrates each tomato natural sweetness, creating a deeply satisfying dish that feels both rustic and elegant.

Fresh basil leaves add a bright, herbaceous note that dances through every spoonful.

Rich, velvety, and impossibly smooth, this soup transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ina Garten’s approach ensures even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Grab your favorite bread and get ready to savor every delicious moment of this soul-warming classic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 6

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup – Ingredient Breakdown

• Fresh Tomatoes: Sun-ripened beauties that develop deep, sweet caramelized flavors when roasted, choose ripe but firm tomatoes without blemishes.
• Olive Oil: Helps tomatoes roast evenly and adds rich Mediterranean essence, select extra virgin for best quality.
• Sea Salt: Enhances natural tomato sweetness and helps draw out moisture during roasting, use flaky texture for better distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complements tomato's natural tanginess, freshly ground provides more vibrant taste.

• Onions: Creates a sweet, mellow base that supports the soup's depth, choose yellow onions for classic flavor.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent undertones that elevate the entire soup's complexity, look for firm, plump cloves.
• Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps soften vegetables smoothly, unsalted allows better seasoning control.
• Crushed Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and subtle excitement to the soup's profile, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Tinned Tomatoes: Provides consistent, concentrated tomato flavor and additional liquid base, choose high-quality San Marzano if possible.
• Chicken Stock: Builds foundational savory depth and provides ideal simmering liquid, homemade yields best results.
• Fresh Basil: Introduces bright, aromatic freshness that defines the soup's character, select vibrant green leaves without dark spots.
• Thyme: Offers earthy, subtle herbal notes that complement tomato's richness, fresh sprigs deliver more intense flavor.

Must-Have Kitchen Items for Tomato Basil Soup

• Large baking tray: Essential for roasting tomatoes evenly and catching caramelized juices.
• Large stockpot: Perfect for simmering soup and combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Food mill or stick blender: Crucial for creating desired soup texture, either rustic or smooth.
• Sharp knife: Needed for cutting tomatoes and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring onions and mixing ingredients without scratching pot.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure olive oil and other liquid ingredients.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

• Tomato Preparation

Slice ripe tomatoes and arrange them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with fragrant olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper. Roast until edges become caramelized and deep mahogany colored.

• Aromatic Base

Sauté sweet onions and garlic in a large pot until they become translucent and golden. Add a gentle touch of chili flakes for subtle warmth and complexity.

• Soup Assembly

Combine roasted tomatoes with fresh herbs and quality chicken stock. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and develop rich depth. The liquid will transform into a vibrant, silky essence.

• Texture Refinement

Blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth and velvety. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to enhance the natural tomato sweetness.

• Serving Suggestion

Ladle the soup into beautiful bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve alongside crusty artisan bread for a perfect comfort meal.

Swaps & Secrets for Tomato Basil Soup Magic

• Enhance caramelization by selecting ripe, in-season tomatoes with deep red color for maximum flavor intensity. Experiment with different tomato varieties like Roma, heirloom, or cherry tomatoes to create unique taste profiles.
• Swap chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version. Add a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche during blending to create an ultra-smooth, luxurious soup texture that feels restaurant-quality.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta on top for extra crunch and depth. Stir in fresh herbs like oregano or marjoram alongside basil to introduce complex herbal undertones that elevate the soup's complexity.
• Store soup in airtight containers for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals, ensuring maximum flavor preservation by adding fresh basil after reheating.
• Top with homemade croutons, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or fresh basil leaves. Pair with grilled cheese sandwiches, a crisp green salad, or serve as a stunning starter for dinner parties.

Serving Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Like a Pro

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Slice up a crusty baguette or sourdough bread to dip into the rich, roasted tomato soup. The crispy texture perfectly complements the smooth, velvety soup base.
• Cheese Topping Delight: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or crumble soft goat cheese on top. The tangy cheese adds a creamy contrast to the intense tomato flavors.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Scatter some torn fresh basil leaves or chop some chives just before serving. These bright green herbs will add a pop of color and fresh aroma to the dish.
• Side Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette. The crisp, refreshing salad balances the warm, intense soup perfectly.

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage for Tomato Basil Soup

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the soup in airtight containers with tight-fitting lids, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Seal carefully to prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick weeknight dinners or emergency meal solutions.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated soup overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to maintain smooth consistency and prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock if soup seems too thick.
• Flavor Boost Tip: Before serving leftover soup, refresh with fresh chopped basil, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to revive its original roasted tomato richness.

Vibrant Barefoot Contessa Roasted Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Roasted tomato basil soup brings rich Mediterranean flavors to classic comfort cuisine. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a deeply satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs) plum tomatoes, ripe, halved lengthwise
• 1 x 800g (28 oz) tin plum tomatoes, with juice
• 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh basil leaves, packed
• 2 large yellow onions (about 400 g or 14 oz), chopped
• 1 litre (4.2 cups or 33.8 fl oz) chicken stock (or water)
• 90 ml (3 fl oz) olive oil, good-quality, divided
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 30 g (1 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp sea salt flakes
• 1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ tsp crushed chilli flakes

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Instructions

1. Roasting Preparation: Preheat oven to 392°F (200°C) or 356°F (180°C) for fan-assisted ovens. Drizzle tomatoes with olive oil, seasoning generously with sea salt and black pepper.
2. Roasting Process: Arrange tomatoes cut-side upward on a baking sheet in a single, uncrowded layer. Roast for 45 minutes until edges caramelize and tomatoes develop a wrinkled, intensely concentrated appearance.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Heat stockpot over medium flame. Combine olive oil and butter, then introduce onions, garlic, and chili flakes. Sauté until onions transform into a translucent, golden-hued base, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Liquid Integration: Incorporate canned tomatoes, their natural juices, basil leaves, thyme sprigs, and chicken stock. Add roasted tomatoes with their concentrated pan drippings to the pot.
5. Flavor Development: Bring mixture to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow soup to meld and intensify flavors uncovered for 40 minutes, creating a rich, harmonious profile.
6. Textural Transformation: Utilize a food mill with its coarsest blade for a rustic texture or an immersion blender for a velvety-smooth consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present the soup piping hot or elegantly chilled, paired with crusty artisan bread or crisp croutons for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Roasting Technique: Caramelize tomatoes at high heat to intensify natural sweetness and develop rich, deep flavor profiles without burning.
• Aromatics Magic: Slowly sauté onions and garlic to create a flavor foundation that enhances the overall soup’s depth and complexity.
• Blending Options: Choose between rustic food mill texture or smooth immersion blender based on personal preference and desired soup consistency.
• Serving Flexibility: Enjoy soup hot or chilled, making it a versatile recipe adaptable to different seasons and meal preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg