Roasted Tomato Summer Soup with Cheese Toast
*A savory recipe that combines the flavor of roasted tomatoes with the crunchy texture of toasted bread, perfect for hot summer days. This soup is not only full of flavor but also a healthy choice, based on simple yet very aromatic ingredients.*
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2.5 kg ripe garden tomatoes (ideally, use organic tomatoes for an authentic taste)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes (for added sweetness)
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (choose a high-quality oil to enhance the flavors)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme (if you don't have fresh thyme, you can use dried, but the flavor will be milder)
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh basil (this adds a note of freshness)
- 6 slices of stale bread (ciabatta or baguette are very suitable)
- 50 g grated cheese (you can use smoked cheese for a more intense flavor)
Recipe History:
Roasted tomato soup is a dish that has delighted taste buds for centuries. Its origins are closely tied to Mediterranean culinary traditions, where tomatoes are staple ingredients. Roasting the tomatoes in the oven enhances their natural sweetness and flavor, transforming them into a creamy and savory soup. This recipe is perfect for enjoying fresh seasonal tomatoes and bringing a touch of summer to your plate.
Step-by-step Instructions:
1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Wash the tomatoes well under cold running water. Remove the stems and cut them into large pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half to allow the flavors to develop.
2. Roasting the tomatoes:
Place the cut tomatoes in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then add salt, pepper, basil leaves, and thyme. Mix the ingredients well so that all the tomatoes are evenly coated with oil and spices.
3. Baking in the oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the dish with tomatoes in the oven and let them roast for 25-30 minutes, until they become golden and slightly caramelized. The aroma will be fantastic!
4. Preparing the soup:
After the tomatoes are roasted, take the dish out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Remove the stems from the cherry tomatoes and thyme sprigs. Using a blender, puree the roasted tomatoes until you achieve a creamy soup. You can adjust the consistency by adding water or vegetable broth if desired.
5. Seasoning the soup:
Transfer the soup to a pot on the stove and add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, so the flavors meld perfectly.
6. Preparing the cheese toast:
While the soup is simmering, prepare the bread. Place the slices of bread on a baking tray, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and put the tray in the oven on the grill setting. Let the bread brown for 5-7 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and crispy.
7. Serving:
Pour the warm soup into bowls and serve it with the cheese toast on the side. You can add a few fresh basil leaves for a special touch and extra flavor.
Practical Tips:
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes, preferably from the garden, for a more intense flavor. Tomatoes with high water content can make the soup watery, so opt for meatier varieties.
- Bread: If you don't have stale bread, you can use fresh bread, but it's recommended to dry it a bit before toasting to achieve a crunchy texture.
- Vegan option: You can omit the cheese and add a tablespoon of lavender or a bit of flavored olive oil to give the soup a different taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes?
Of course, but the taste will be different; fresh tomatoes offer a more vibrant flavor. If using canned, choose whole tomatoes without additives.
- How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in airtight containers. You can also freeze it, but it's recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy its flavors.
- What drinks pair well with this soup?
Fresh lemonade or a dry white wine can be excellent choices to accompany this refreshing soup.
Nutritional Benefits:
This soup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to its high tomato content. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may contribute to heart health and reduce cancer risk.
Enjoy this roasted tomato summer soup with cheese toast, and bring a touch of sunshine to every spoonful! Bon appétit!
*A savory recipe that combines the flavor of roasted tomatoes with the crunchy texture of toasted bread, perfect for hot summer days. This soup is not only full of flavor but also a healthy choice, based on simple yet very aromatic ingredients.*
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2.5 kg ripe garden tomatoes (ideally, use organic tomatoes for an authentic taste)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes (for added sweetness)
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (choose a high-quality oil to enhance the flavors)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme (if you don't have fresh thyme, you can use dried, but the flavor will be milder)
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh basil (this adds a note of freshness)
- 6 slices of stale bread (ciabatta or baguette are very suitable)
- 50 g grated cheese (you can use smoked cheese for a more intense flavor)
Recipe History:
Roasted tomato soup is a dish that has delighted taste buds for centuries. Its origins are closely tied to Mediterranean culinary traditions, where tomatoes are staple ingredients. Roasting the tomatoes in the oven enhances their natural sweetness and flavor, transforming them into a creamy and savory soup. This recipe is perfect for enjoying fresh seasonal tomatoes and bringing a touch of summer to your plate.
Step-by-step Instructions:
1. Preparing the tomatoes:
Wash the tomatoes well under cold running water. Remove the stems and cut them into large pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half to allow the flavors to develop.
2. Roasting the tomatoes:
Place the cut tomatoes in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then add salt, pepper, basil leaves, and thyme. Mix the ingredients well so that all the tomatoes are evenly coated with oil and spices.
3. Baking in the oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the dish with tomatoes in the oven and let them roast for 25-30 minutes, until they become golden and slightly caramelized. The aroma will be fantastic!
4. Preparing the soup:
After the tomatoes are roasted, take the dish out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Remove the stems from the cherry tomatoes and thyme sprigs. Using a blender, puree the roasted tomatoes until you achieve a creamy soup. You can adjust the consistency by adding water or vegetable broth if desired.
5. Seasoning the soup:
Transfer the soup to a pot on the stove and add salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, so the flavors meld perfectly.
6. Preparing the cheese toast:
While the soup is simmering, prepare the bread. Place the slices of bread on a baking tray, sprinkle grated cheese on top, and put the tray in the oven on the grill setting. Let the bread brown for 5-7 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and crispy.
7. Serving:
Pour the warm soup into bowls and serve it with the cheese toast on the side. You can add a few fresh basil leaves for a special touch and extra flavor.
Practical Tips:
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes, preferably from the garden, for a more intense flavor. Tomatoes with high water content can make the soup watery, so opt for meatier varieties.
- Bread: If you don't have stale bread, you can use fresh bread, but it's recommended to dry it a bit before toasting to achieve a crunchy texture.
- Vegan option: You can omit the cheese and add a tablespoon of lavender or a bit of flavored olive oil to give the soup a different taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes?
Of course, but the taste will be different; fresh tomatoes offer a more vibrant flavor. If using canned, choose whole tomatoes without additives.
- How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in airtight containers. You can also freeze it, but it's recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy its flavors.
- What drinks pair well with this soup?
Fresh lemonade or a dry white wine can be excellent choices to accompany this refreshing soup.
Nutritional Benefits:
This soup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants due to its high tomato content. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may contribute to heart health and reduce cancer risk.
Enjoy this roasted tomato summer soup with cheese toast, and bring a touch of sunshine to every spoonful! Bon appétit!