Rich & Smoky Tomato Basil Soup Recipe That Warms The Soul

Culinary magic happens when smoky depths merge with tomato basil soup, creating an unexpected symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Ripe tomatoes roasted until their edges blacken bring an intense, complex character to this comforting dish.

Charred nuances whisper stories of summer gardens and slow-simmered traditions.

Rich aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a bowl of pure warmth and satisfaction.

Fragrant basil leaves scattered throughout add bright, herbaceous notes that cut through the soup’s smoky intensity.

Each spoonful promises a journey through layers of taste that surprise and delight.

Grab a ladle and let this extraordinary soup transport you to a world of culinary wonder.

Why Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Is Comforting

• Unlock Smoky Flavor Magic: Discover a unique soup that transforms ordinary tomatoes into a deeply aromatic dish through gentle smoking, creating layers of complex flavor that elevate a classic comfort food.
• Quick and Easy Weekend Cooking: Prepare this impressive soup with minimal effort, requiring just a few simple steps and basic ingredients that come together in under 3 hours, perfect for home cooks wanting something special without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe easily by changing wood chips for different smoky notes, adjusting spice levels, or adding cream for extra richness, making it a versatile dish that welcomes personal creativity and experimentation.
• Healthy Homemade Goodness: Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this soup offers a nutritious meal that feels indulgent while providing substantial health benefits, proving that delicious food can also be good for you.

What You’ll Need For Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

• Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic: Fresh produce that forms the flavor base of the soup, with smoky roasted characteristics. Roma or beefsteak tomatoes provide the best texture and depth.

• Fresh Basil, Dried Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide aromatic layers and complex flavor profile. Fresh basil adds brightness, while dried herbs concentrate flavor intensity.

• Olive Oil, Vegetable Broth, Butter: Essential for developing soup texture and enhancing overall taste. Butter optional but adds richness. Choose low-sodium vegetable broth for better flavor control.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's smoky, herbal notes. Sea salt or kosher salt recommended for better mineral taste.

• Hickory, Apple, Cherry Wood: Provide subtle smoky undertones that complement the tomato's natural sweetness. Choose based on personal preference or wood availability.

How To Make Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Smoker

Crank your smoker to a warm 225F. Choose wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry to add a whisper of smoky magic to your soup.

Step 2: Dress the Veggies

• Ripe tomatoes
• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes

Coat the chopped vegetables generously with the seasonings and oil, making sure every piece is well-dressed.

Step 3: Smoke the Flavor Makers

Arrange the veggie crew on smoker grates or a foil-lined tray. Let them dance in the smoky heat for 1.5 to 2 hours until they’re soft and have delicious char marks.

Step 4: Blend into Liquid Comfort

Scoop the smoky vegetables into a blender. Toss in fresh basil leaves and transform everything into a silky smooth mixture. Blend until no chunks remain.

Step 5: Simmer and Elevate

• Vegetable broth
• Dried oregano
• Butter (optional but recommended)

Let the soup bubble and mingle for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to become best friends.

Serve hot and enjoy your smoky, herbaceous soup adventure!

Useful Tips For Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

• Optimize Wood Chip Selection: Choose hickory, apple, or cherry woods to infuse a delicate, complex smokiness without overpowering the tomato's natural sweetness.
• Control Smoking Time Carefully: Monitor tomatoes closely during 1½ to 2-hour smoking process to prevent burning, ensuring they become softened with gentle char marks.
• Enhance Soup Creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness and smooth texture, perfect for creating a more luxurious soup experience.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter to make the recipe dairy-free, maintaining the soup's deep, smoky flavor profile.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds or nutritional yeast on top for added protein and a delightful crunchy texture that complements the soup's silky consistency.

How To Keep Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Fresh

• Preserve your delicious smoked tomato basil soup by transferring it to airtight containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic.
• Refrigerate the soup within two hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it stays covered to retain its rich, smoky flavor.
• When ready to reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
• Avoid freezing this soup, as the creamy texture might separate and become grainy upon thawing.
• Pro tip: If you plan to store the soup, wait to add fresh basil until just before serving to keep its vibrant color and bright taste.
• Always use clean utensils when scooping out portions to extend the soup's shelf life and prevent contamination.

Perfect Pairings With Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery, slightly oaked white wine complements the smoky tomato soup's rich depth, balancing the charred vegetable notes with its smooth, refreshing profile.
• Serve alongside Grilled Cheese Croutons: Transform classic grilled cheese by cutting it into small cubes and sprinkling on top, adding a crunchy texture and nostalgic comfort to the smoky soup experience.
• Match with Rustic Sourdough Toast: The tangy, slightly sour bread provides a perfect canvas for soaking up the intense smoky tomato flavors, creating a hearty and satisfying meal combination.
• Enhance with Herbed Goat Cheese Dollop: A creamy, herb-infused goat cheese swirl adds a bright, tangy element that cuts through the soup's smokiness and provides a luxurious finishing touch.

New Twists For Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

• Roasted Tomato Herb Brew: Transform the recipe by roasting tomatoes in a high-temperature oven at 425F with rosemary and thyme instead of smoking, creating a faster and equally flavorful alternative soup that retains deep caramelized notes.
• Mediterranean Tomato Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil after blending to give the soup a Greek-inspired profile with tangy and rich Mediterranean characteristics.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder, add roasted green chiles, and garnish with cilantro and a dollop of Mexican crema for a bold, southwestern-style soup that carries intense heat and complexity.
• Creamy Tomato Comfort: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk after blending for a luxurious, velvety texture that softens the smoky intensity and creates a more substantial, warming soup experience.

Helpful Info On Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

• What type of wood works best for smoking tomatoes?

Hickory, apple, and cherry woods are ideal. They provide a subtle, sweet smoky flavor that complements the tomatoes without overpowering them.

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best smoky flavor and texture. Canned tomatoes might not caramelize or absorb the smoke as effectively as fresh, ripe tomatoes.

• How do I know when the tomatoes are perfectly smoked?

Look for softened edges, a slightly charred appearance, and a deep, rich color. They should feel tender when gently pressed and have a rich, smoky aroma.

• Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! The recipe is completely vegetarian. It uses vegetable broth and can be made without butter to create a vegan-friendly version of the smoked tomato basil soup.

Smoked Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Silky smoked tomato basil soup blends robust Mediterranean flavors with smoky undertones, creating a luxurious comfort classic. Deep roasted tomatoes and fragrant basil harmonize in this elegant dish perfect for warming hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Vegetables:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ripe Roma or vine tomatoes, halved
• 1 small white onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves

Liquid and Dairy Components:

• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the smoker by adjusting the temperature to a gentle 225F, selecting fragrant wood chips like hickory, apple, or cherry to infuse a delicate smokiness into the dish.
2. Gently coat halved tomatoes, onion, and garlic with a vibrant blend of olive oil, seasoning them with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes to enhance their natural flavors.
3. Arrange the prepared vegetables strategically on smoker grates or a foil-lined baking sheet, ensuring cut sides face upward for optimal smoke absorption and caramelization.
4. Allow the vegetables to transform in the smoker for approximately 112 to 2 hours, watching for a tender texture and subtle charring that will develop deep, complex flavors.
5. Transfer the smoked vegetables into a blender, introducing fresh basil leaves to create a silky, aromatic puree that captures the essence of the smoky roasting process.
6. Pour the velvety mixture into a large pot, introducing vegetable broth and dried oregano to build a rich, layered taste profile.
7. Incorporate butter to add luxurious depth and smoothness, gently simmering the soup for 10-15 minutes to marry the intricate flavors and create a harmonious, comforting dish.

Notes

• Experiment with different wood chips to customize the smoky flavor profile, ranging from mild fruitwoods to bold hickory for unique taste variations.
• Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor in the final soup.
• Consider roasting alternative vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant alongside tomatoes to create additional complexity and smoky undertones.
• For a dairy-free or vegan version, replace butter with olive oil or coconut cream to maintain richness without compromising the soup’s creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg