Tomato Basil Soup

Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, this Tomato Basil Soup is ready in just over an hour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 3 pounds Roma tomatoes, halved
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 bunch (2 ounces) fresh basil leaves
• 3 to 4 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Fresh lime juice (optional, for serving)
• Pita grilled cheese, grilled bread, or toast (optional, for serving)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the tomatoes and carrots with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch salt and pepper. Transfer to a large baking sheet and spread well in one layer. Roast in the heated oven until the tomatoes have deflated and began to char at the edges, about 30 minutes. Set aside for about 10 minutes to cool.
3. Next, transfer the roasted carrots and tomatoes (along with their skin and seeds) to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade. Add a splash of water and blend until the vegetables have broken down and combined. Some texture is nice, so stop the processor before it becomes a super smooth puree.
4. Then, in a large pot, heat 2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook briefly until golden, about 1 minute.
5. Pour the roasted tomato mixture into the pot with the onions. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, thyme, oregano, paprika, cumin, and 2 ½ cups of water. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar to allow some steam to escape. Let simmer for about 20 minutes or so.
6. Remove the thyme springs and transfer the soup to serving bowls. If you like, add top each serving with a squeeze of fresh lime and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Optionally, serve your Tomato Basil Soup with grilled bread, grilled cheese, or crusty bread on the side.

NUTRITION

• Calories: 83kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18.5g
• Protein: 3.5g
• Fat: 0.7g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g
• Sodium: 81mg
• Potassium: 798.5mg
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 10.3g
• Vitamin A: 5490.9IU
• Vitamin C: 40.3mg
• Calcium: 65.5mg
• Iron: 1.7mg