Let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make your Roasted Tomato Basil Soup:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The roasting process is crucial for developing the flavors of the tomatoes, so don’t skip this step!
2. Prepare the Tomatoes:
   • Rinse the tomatoes under cool water and pat them dry. Cut them in half or quarter them, depending on their size.
   • Place the cut tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Give them a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated.
3. Roast the Tomatoes:
   • Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until they’re caramelized and soft. You’ll know they’re ready when their skins start to wrinkle and they release their natural juices. The aroma will be heavenly!
4. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • While the tomatoes are roasting, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   • Once the tomatoes are done roasting, carefully add them to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, and stir to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Add the Basil:
   • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will wilt the basil, releasing its fragrant aroma.
7. Blend the Soup:
   • Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender in batches. Just be cautious of the hot liquid!
8. Add Cream (Optional):
   • If you want a creamier soup, return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat through over low heat, but do not bring it to a boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
9. Taste and Adjust:
   • Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
10. Serve:
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot with your favorite bread or grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.