If it were up to my kids, we would have grilled chesses and tomanto soup for dinner every single night. I don’t know what it is, but they just love the simplicity of the meal (and probably dunking the gooey sandwich in the soup).

What a difference it makes making the soup from scratch instead of just dumping it from a can or a jar. You can really taste the flavors (especially the garlic since I add 2 extra cloves). It takes the simple meal to a whole new level. Now you’ll want grilled cheeses and homemade tomato soup every night too!

 

Ingredients

For the roasted tomatoes

3 pounds roma or plum tomatoes, cut in half

8 cloves garlic, peeled

3 tablespoons olive oil

Freshly ground salt and pepper

For the caramelized onions:

½ tablespoon olive oil

2 yellow onions, thinly sliced

Additions to the soup:

½ cup packed basil leaves

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1-2 cups water or vegetarian broth, depending on how thick you want the soup

Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste

Optional add ins:

Light/Regular coconut milk for a creamy vegan soup

Whole dairy milk/heavy cream for a creamy texture

Parmesan cheese, for a tangy, flavor enhancing flavor

A tablespoon or two of butter, for richer flavor

 

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place halved tomatoes and garlic cloves on the baking sheet and drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Generously season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 40-45 minutes.

While the tomatoes are roasting, you can make the caramelized onions: Add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to a large pot and place over medium heat. Add the onion slices and stir to coat the onions with olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally. Check onions every 5-10 minutes until they have completely caramelized and turned golden in color. This ususally takes 20 minutes.

Once tomatoes and garlic are done roasted, allow them to cool for 10 minutes, then add them to a food processor or high powered blender and blend until smooth. Next add basil and caramelized onions and blend again. Alternatively you can add the tomatoes to the large pot and use an immersion blender. It’s really just about what you have available to you.

After blending, transfer back to pot, turn to medium low heat and add in oregano, vegetarian broth and salt and pepper to taste. From there you can add in any additional add-ons you want (as listed in the ingredients).  Allow tomato soup to simmer 10 minutes before serving. To serve, garnish with parmesan cheese and serve with grilled cheese, if desired. Serves 4.

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Quick tip: Makes for a great lunch the next day!

Recipe and image courtesy of Ambitious Kitchen.