Roasted Tomato Cream Soup

Roasted tomato cream soup is more than just a simple soup; it is a warm embrace in a bowl, an explosion of flavors, and an excellent way to bring the richness of summer to the table, even on the coldest autumn days. With a smooth texture and intense taste, this soup is perfect as both an appetizer and a main course. Whether you choose to serve it hot or cold, the roasted tomato soup will surely impress with its simplicity and refinement.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe, fragrant tomatoes
- 5 sweet, crunchy carrots
- 1 parsley root, with leaves
- 2 green onions, for an extra touch of freshness
- 3 garlic cloves, to enhance the flavors
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes
- Coarse sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground mixed pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil, to add a splash of flavor

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the tomatoes well and cutting them in half. Make sure to choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes, as they will give the soup a rich taste. Peel the carrots, parsley root, green onions, and garlic. Cut the carrots and parsley into smaller pieces for even roasting.

2. Arranging the vegetables:
Place all the vegetables on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with sea salt, brown sugar, pepper, and thyme sprigs. Generously drizzle with olive oil, which will help the vegetables caramelize beautifully during baking. This is a crucial step, as caramelization will add depth and complexity to the soup's flavor.

3. Roasting the vegetables:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray in the oven and let the vegetables roast for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes become soft and slightly browned. The aroma that will fill the kitchen during this time is simply irresistible!

4. Blending the soup:
Once the vegetables are ready, take the tray out of the oven and let it cool slightly. Then, transfer the vegetables to a blender. This is where the magic happens! Blend everything until you achieve a smooth texture. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the soup seems too thick, feel free to add a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Serving:
The soup can be served either hot or cold, making it extremely versatile. I recommend accompanying it with crunchy bread croutons, which add a pleasant texture. You can also add a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for a colorful appearance and an extra burst of flavor.

Practical tips:
- Choosing tomatoes: It's essential to use ripe, quality tomatoes to achieve a soup with an intense flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are often considered the best for soups, but any well-ripened variety will work.
- Variations: You can experiment with various herbs, such as basil, oregano, or even chili peppers for a spicy kick. You can also replace the carrots with zucchini or celery, depending on your preferences.
- Storing the soup: Roasted tomato cream soup keeps excellently in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can freeze it to enjoy later, but it's recommended to freeze it before adding cream or other delicate ingredients.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This soup is not only delicious but also healthy. A serving of roasted tomato cream soup has about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants, which help combat inflammation and maintain heart health. Carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, essential for eye health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned tomatoes?: While fresh tomatoes are ideal, if they are not available, canned tomatoes can be a good alternative. Make sure to choose tomatoes without additives.
- How can I make the soup creamier?: You can add cream, Greek yogurt, or coconut milk after blending the soup to achieve a creamier texture.
- What other recipes pair well with tomato soup?: This soup pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside warm homemade bread.

Personal notes:
This roasted tomato cream soup recipe reminds me of the moments spent in the garden with my grandmother, where we would pick ripe tomatoes and turn them into culinary delights. It is a recipe that unifies flavors and memories, bringing not just a dish to the table, but a story. I invite you to try it and enjoy every spoonful!

Enjoy your meal! This roasted tomato cream soup is not just a dish; it is a culinary experience worth living!