Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

By AllyBees

This is a great, heart-warming meal that is welcome in any home during the winter. Serve with a sandwich, grill cheese for example, and you've got a great dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. ripe tomatoes, halved with seeds scooped out
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Combine the tomato halves, ¼ cup of olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl; toss well to combine. Spread the tomato halves out on a large baking sheet. Roast the tomatoes for 45 minutes.

In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the butter and heat until the butter is melted. Add the onions, garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly soften, about 7-10 minutes. Add in the canned tomatoes, roasted tomatoes, basil, thyme and chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, 40 minutes.

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth. (Alternatively, you can use a blender or food processor. If you do, be sure to vent the steam and be very careful not to spill the hot liquid!)