There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly evening. I remember one particularly blustery day, craving something warm and flavorful, I decided to whip up a batch of tomato soup. But not just any tomato soup, a Fire Roasted Tomato Soup with a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level! This recipe is incredibly easy, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a cozy family meal. Get ready to learn how to make a simple, yet gourmet-tasting tomato soup that will become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Fire Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe Recipe
This isn’t your average tomato soup. What sets it apart? It’s all about enhancing the natural sweetness and smokiness of the fire-roasted tomatoes.
Unique Twist: Adding ¼ cup of dry sherry or Madeira wine after sautéing the garlic. This might sound unusual, but trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Enhances the Flavor: The sherry or Madeira adds unbelievable depth and complexity. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind concentrated flavors that perfectly complement the fire-roasted tomatoes. This little addition elevates the entire soup to a gourmet experience.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Even the kids will love this flavorful and comforting soup.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, it’s a delicious meal that won’t break the bank.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups diced potatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 (14 oz) cans fire roasted tomatoes
- 2 (14 oz) cans white beans, drained
- 32 oz vegetable broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Fire Roasted Tomatoes: The quality of your fire-roasted tomatoes makes a huge difference. Look for brands like Muir Glen or Cento for the best flavor. The roasting process brings out a natural sweetness and smokiness that’s essential to the soup. If you can’t find canned fire-roasted, see my instructions below for making your own!
Heavy Cream: For a vegan option, substitute with coconut cream. Ensure it’s full-fat coconut cream for a similar richness. This makes a delicious vegan fire roasted tomato soup.
White Beans: Cannellini beans are a great alternative if you don’t have white beans on hand. They have a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. You could even use Great Northern beans.
Parmesan Cheese: For a dairy-free diet, nutritional yeast can mimic the cheesy flavor. You can also find vegan parmesan alternatives in many stores.
How to Make Fire Roasted Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onions start to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender and the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The aroma of the garlic mingling with the onions is heavenly!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring often. Stirring frequently is crucial to prevent the tomato paste from sticking to the bottom and burning, which can impart a bitter taste. Cooking the tomato paste also helps to develop its rich, concentrated flavor.
Step 3: Simmer and Infuse
Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), drained white beans, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes. The simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying soup. Your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma!
Step 4: Cream It Up
Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until fully combined. As the cream and parmesan melt into the soup, you’ll notice a change in color and texture, transforming it into a velvety smooth delight.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with additional red pepper flakes for an extra kick, and serve hot with crusty bread. The textural contrast of the smooth, creamy soup with the crusty bread is simply divine. I recommend serving it immediately while it’s piping hot!
Making Your Own Fire Roasted Tomatoes
If you can’t find canned fire-roasted tomatoes, don’t worry! You can easily make your own at home using a broiler or grill. Roasting your own tomatoes gives you amazing control over the flavor.
Broiler Method: Preheat your broiler. Halve fresh tomatoes (Roma or San Marzano work well) and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Broil for 10-15 minutes, or until the skins are blackened and blistered.
Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the tomatoes, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred.
After roasting, let the tomatoes cool slightly, then peel off the skins and remove the seeds. Now they’re ready to use in your soup!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor base.
- Don’t skip the sherry/Madeira step—it makes a huge difference in the depth of flavor!
- Simmering the soup allows the flavors to meld properly and become more pronounced.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency. Be careful not to over-blend.
- Garnish generously with your favorite toppings for added flavor and visual appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Burning the garlic: Keep the heat on medium and watch it closely.
- Not stirring the tomato paste enough: It can stick to the bottom of the pot and burn, so stir frequently.
- Over-blending the soup: It can become gummy if you blend it too much.
- Adding too much salt: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping – a classic combination!
- Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Serve alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option. Consider a 7-layer salad for a delightful contrast.
- Garnish with a swirl of cream or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Add croutons for extra crunch and texture.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezer: Freeze cooled soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Leave some headspace in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Conclusion
This Fire Roasted Tomato Soup is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The secret ingredient, a splash of sherry or Madeira, adds a unique depth of flavor that will impress your family and friends. Don’t be intimidated, this recipe is beginner-friendly and you can easily adjust it to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or variations. If you’re in the mood for another cozy option, you might enjoy this cream of broccoli soup recipe tonight and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends.
FAQ
How can I make this fire roasted tomato soup vegan or dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or other plant-based cream alternatives for the heavy cream and omit the parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can be used to mimic the cheesy flavor.
What are some good substitutes for canned fire-roasted tomatoes?
Roasting your own tomatoes is the best substitute. You can also use regular canned tomatoes and add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Can I freeze fire roasted tomato soup?
Yes, let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What are the best toppings for fire roasted tomato soup?
Croutons, fresh herbs (basil, parsley), a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes are all great options.
What type of bread pairs best with fire roasted tomato soup?
Crusty bread, grilled cheese sandwiches, and sourdough are all excellent choices.
Is fire roasted tomato soup healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins, especially lycopene from the tomatoes. It can be part of a balanced diet. Why not learn more about lycopene and its health benefits? Why not pair it with a glowing green smoothie?
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need to roast them first to get that fire-roasted flavor. Make sure to peel and seed them before adding them to the soup.
Best Fire Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe (Easy & Flavorful)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and potatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onions start to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until the potatoes are tender and the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring often. Stirring frequently is crucial to prevent the tomato paste from sticking to the bottom and burning, which can impart a bitter taste. Cooking the tomato paste also helps to develop its rich, concentrated flavor.
- Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), drained white beans, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese until fully combined.
- Garnish with additional red pepper flakes for an extra kick, and serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
