Testing Ina GARTEN's Roasted Tomato & Basil Soup
Testing INA GARTEN's Roasted Tomato & Basil Soup is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Friends Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 40 min | Total: 2 hrs 15 min
Cost: $9.38 total, $1.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Tomatoes, on the vine (washed, halved; use plum or vine tomatoes)
- 0.25 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin or good quality medium olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (fine kosher salt)
- 1.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste; extra added at the end)
- 28 oz Canned San Marzano Tomatoes (whole peeled, with juice)
- 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (packed, roughly torn)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped from stems)
- 2 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium; can substitute vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
Instructions
Prepare Tomatoes
Wash the vine tomatoes, remove them from the stems and cut each tomato in half.
Time: PT10M
Roast Tomatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the tomato halves with ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tbsp kosher salt and 1½ tsp black pepper. Spread them cut‑side up on a baking sheet and roast for 40‑45 minutes, until the skins are blistered and the flesh is soft.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 400°F
Sauté Aromatics
While the tomatoes roast, melt 2 tbsp butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ tsp red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the onion is soft and lightly browned.
Time: PT10M
Combine Ingredients
Add the canned San Marzano tomatoes (with their juice), the roasted tomato halves with any pan juices, 1 cup torn basil, 1 tsp thyme leaves, and 2 cups chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Simmer Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.
Time: PT40M
Partially Blend
Remove the pot from heat. Working in batches, pour about one‑third of the soup into a blender. Blend for 5‑6 seconds, then stop—leave some chunks for texture. Return the blended portion to the pot.
Time: PT5M
Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves. Serve hot or chill for a cold summer soup.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 3g
- Carbohydrates
- 20g
- Fat
- 7g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Can be made vegetarian with vegetable broth, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tomatoes, on the vine: Plum tomatoes, Roma tomatoes
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt, Table salt (use less)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil, Margarine
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste, Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch), Paprika
- Instead of Canned San Marzano Tomatoes: Other canned crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Thai basil, Fresh spinach (for color only)
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with extra salt
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Large Pot
- Blender
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roasting the tomatoes until caramelized
- Not overfilling the blender with hot soup
- Partial blending to retain texture
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the highest‑quality olive oil; it shines through the roasted flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to the roasted tomatoes if they taste overly acidic.
- For an extra smoky note, briefly char the tomato skins under a broiler before roasting.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too watery.
Simmer uncovered for an additional 10‑15 minutes to reduce, or add a handful of tomato paste.
Soup is too thick after blending.
Stir in extra chicken or vegetable broth, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Flavor is bland.
Adjust with more salt, a splash of balsamic vinegar, or extra red pepper flakes for brightness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑sized bags for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; soup is perishable.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Roast the tomatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge; they develop deeper flavor.
- Soup can be fully blended and frozen; reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of roasted tomato soup in American cuisine?
Tomato soup became a staple in American home cooking during the early 20th century, offering a comforting, pantry‑friendly way to use abundant summer tomatoes. Roasting the tomatoes adds a deeper, caramelized flavor that modern chefs like Ina Garten have popularized as a gourmet twist on the classic.
How does the traditional American tomato soup differ from the roasted tomato and basil version featured by Ina Garten?
Traditional American tomato soup often uses raw tomatoes simmered directly, resulting in a smoother, milder flavor. Ina Garten’s version roasts the tomatoes first, creating a richer, slightly smoky taste and incorporates fresh basil and thyme for an herbaceous finish.
What regional variations of tomato‑basil soup exist within the United States?
In the Southwest, cooks add roasted poblano or chipotle for heat. In the Northeast, a splash of cream or milk is common, while West Coast versions may feature fresh cilantro and lime for a brighter profile. Each variation reflects local produce and taste preferences.
What occasions or celebrations is roasted tomato and basil soup traditionally associated with in American culture?
This soup is popular for summer gatherings, brunches, and as a starter for holiday meals because it can be served hot or chilled. Its bright flavor also makes it a favorite at garden parties and farmers‑market events.
What authentic ingredients are essential for an authentic Ina Garten‑style roasted tomato and basil soup?
Key ingredients include ripe plum or vine tomatoes, high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil, fresh basil, fresh thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and a modest amount of chicken broth. Canned San Marzano tomatoes add depth, while a touch of butter rounds out the flavor.
What other American dishes pair well with roasted tomato and basil soup?
Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, grilled cheese sandwiches, or a simple herb‑infused focaccia. For a heartier meal, pair with a roasted chicken breast or a quinoa‑vegetable pilaf.
How has roasted tomato soup evolved in modern American cooking?
Modern chefs have embraced roasting as a technique to deepen flavor, often adding fresh herbs, spices, or finishing oils. The soup has shifted from a purely smooth, canned‑style dish to a rustic, partially blended version that highlights texture and seasonal produce.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making roasted tomato and basil soup?
Common errors include under‑roasting the tomatoes (resulting in a flat flavor), over‑filling the blender which can cause hot liquid to splatter, and blending the soup completely, which removes the desired chunky texture.
Why does this recipe use a partial blend instead of a full puree?
A partial blend leaves small tomato pieces that add texture and visual interest, replicating Ina Garten’s rustic style. Fully pureed soup can become overly smooth and lose the bite that makes this version special.
What does the YouTube channel Friends Test Kitchen specialize in?
Friends Test Kitchen focuses on approachable, home‑cooked meals with a friendly, conversational style. The channel often recreates recipes from celebrity chefs, adds personal twists, and emphasizes practical tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Friends Test Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Friends Test Kitchen blends humor with clear, step‑by‑step instructions, often using everyday pantry items and offering budget‑friendly alternatives. Unlike highly polished production channels, they prioritize relatability and real‑world cooking challenges.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
