The Best Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
The Best Roasted Tomato Basil Soup! is a medium Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by The Mediterranean Dish on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Cost: $7.91 total, $1.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Roma Tomatoes (halved; any ripe tomato can be used)
- 2 large Carrots (peeled and cut into 1‑inch pieces)
- 4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided: 2 Tbsp for roasting, 2 Tbsp for soup)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (plus pinch for finishing)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (canned, no‑salt added)
- 4 cups Water (can substitute vegetable broth for richer flavor)
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn, plus extra for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped from stems)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Sweet Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it fully preheat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Prepare Vegetables for Roasting
Halve the Roma tomatoes, peel and cut carrots into 1‑inch pieces, then place them on a heavy‑duty sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
Time: PT10M
Roast Tomatoes and Carrots
Roast in the preheated oven for 25‑30 minutes, turning once halfway, until the tomatoes are charred and the carrots are tender and caramelized.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 400°F
Cool Slightly
Remove the pan and let the roasted vegetables cool for about 5 minutes so they can be handled safely.
Time: PT5M
Blend Roasted Veggies
Transfer the roasted tomatoes and carrots to a food processor, add a splash of water (about ¼ cup), and pulse until you reach a coarse puree with some texture.
Time: PT5M
Sweat Onion and Garlic
In a large pot over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4‑5 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
Time: PT5M
Combine All Soup Base Ingredients
Stir the roasted tomato‑carrot puree into the pot, then add the canned crushed tomatoes, 4 cups water (or broth), fresh basil, thyme, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Mix well.
Time: PT3M
Simmer
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT20M
Finish with Lime and Garnish
Stir in the lime juice, taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed, then ladle into bowls. Top each serving with torn fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Roma Tomatoes: Vine‑ripe plum tomatoes, Heirloom tomatoes
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips, sweet potatoes (cut small)
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil, light olive oil
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion, shallot
- Instead of Garlic: garlic paste (½ tsp)
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- Instead of Water: vegetable broth
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Thai basil, fresh spinach (for garnish)
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: marjoram
- Instead of Ground Cumin: ground coriander
- Instead of Sweet Paprika: smoked paprika (½ tsp)
- Instead of Lime Juice: lemon juice
Equipment Needed
- Sheet Pan
- Food Processor
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roasting the tomatoes and carrots until deeply caramelized
- Leaving some texture in the blended puree
- Simmering the soup long enough for flavors to meld
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality extra virgin olive oil for both roasting and finishing – it adds depth.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, run the soup through an immersion blender after simmering.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Add additional water or vegetable broth a few tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Soup tastes flat.
Adjust with a pinch more salt, a splash more lime juice, or an extra drizzle of olive oil for richness.
Vegetables are not caramelized enough.
Increase oven temperature to 425°F and roast an extra 5‑10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑size bags for up to 2 months; thaw gently before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Roast the tomatoes and carrots up to 2 days ahead and store them in the fridge.
- The soup reheats well; add a splash of water when warming to restore desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in Mediterranean cuisine?
Tomatoes, introduced to the Mediterranean from the New World, quickly became a staple in Southern European cooking. Roasting them with herbs like basil and thyme reflects the region’s love for simple, sun‑kissed flavors, and the soup is often enjoyed during cooler months as a comforting, plant‑based starter.
What are the traditional regional variations of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup in Mediterranean cooking?
In Italy, the soup may include a splash of balsamic vinegar and Parmesan (or a vegan alternative). In Greece, it’s common to finish with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano. North African versions add cumin and harissa for heat.
How is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup traditionally served in Mediterranean households?
It is typically served hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of high‑quality olive oil, and crusty gluten‑free bread or a side of roasted vegetables. A squeeze of lemon or lime is often added at the table for brightness.
During which occasions or celebrations is Roasted Tomato Basil Soup commonly enjoyed in Mediterranean culture?
The soup is popular during the autumn and winter months, especially at family gatherings, Easter brunches, and as a starter for holiday feasts where a light, vegetable‑forward dish balances richer mains.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Mediterranean Roasted Tomato Basil Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients are ripe tomatoes, extra‑virgin olive oil, fresh basil, and herbs like thyme and oregano. Substitutes can include other ripe plum‑type tomatoes, avocado oil for roasting, or dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, but the flavor profile changes slightly.
What other Mediterranean dishes pair well with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Pair it with a simple Greek salad, grilled halloumi (or vegan cheese), roasted eggplant dip, or a side of herbed quinoa. A glass of crisp white wine such as a Greek Assyrtiko also complements the soup’s acidity.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
Common errors include overcrowding the pan during roasting, over‑blending the puree (which removes texture), and simmering too aggressively, which can cause the fresh herbs to turn bitter. Follow the recommended times and keep the simmer gentle.
Why does this Roasted Tomato Basil Soup recipe use a small amount of water instead of vegetable broth?
Water lets the natural sweetness of the roasted tomatoes and carrots shine without adding extra salt or competing flavors. You can substitute broth for a richer base, but the original recipe aims for a clean, bright profile.
Can I make Roasted Tomato Basil Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Roast the vegetables up to two days in advance, then assemble and simmer the soup when ready. Store the finished soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to two months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup?
The soup should have a deep ruby color with a slightly chunky texture from the blended carrots and tomato skins. It should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable, and the fresh basil garnish adds a bright green contrast.
How do I know when Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is done cooking?
When the vegetables are fully softened, the flavors have melded after a 20‑minute simmer, and the soup tastes balanced with a hint of acidity from the lime, it is ready. A quick taste test for seasoning confirms completion.
What does the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish specialize in?
The Mediterranean Dish focuses on easy, wholesome Mediterranean recipes that are often vegan, gluten‑free, and family‑friendly, emphasizing fresh herbs, olive oil, and simple cooking techniques.
How does the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The Mediterranean Dish blends traditional Mediterranean flavors with modern, health‑conscious twists, providing step‑by‑step video tutorials that prioritize ingredient accessibility and plant‑based adaptations, unlike many channels that focus on meat‑centric dishes.
What other Mediterranean recipes is the YouTube channel The Mediterranean Dish known for?
The channel is popular for its vegan falafel, gluten‑free spanakopita, lemon‑herb grilled chicken, and a variety of grain‑based salads like quinoa tabbouleh, all featuring bright herbs and olive oil.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
