Welcome to the aromatic world of soups where we dive into a rich, creamy bowl of Roasted Tomato and Bacon Soup. This recipe brings together the sweet acidity of roasted tomatoes and the salty crunch of bacon in a delightful union that warms you up from the inside out.
The key ingredient in this recipe that you might not commonly find in your pantry is Smoked Paprika. It provides a smoky kick to the soup and elevates the flavor of roasted tomatoes. If you're heading to the supermarket, make sure to grab this spice.
Ingredients for Roasted Tomato and Bacon Soup
Roma tomatoes: These are a type of plum tomato, known for their meaty texture and rich flavor. They're perfect for roasting and add a natural sweetness to the soup.
Vegetable oil: Used for roasting the tomatoes, it helps to soften them and bring out their natural sugars.
Bacon: Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor to the soup. Its rich fattiness complements the acidic tomatoes.
White onion: Onions add depth to the flavor profile of the soup and provide a slight sweetness.
Garlic: A classic soup ingredient, garlic adds pungency and warmth.
Chicken stock: This creates the base of the soup, adding a depth of flavor that water alone could not provide.
Smoked Paprika: This spice gives the soup a subtle smoky flavor, complementing the roasted tomatoes and bacon perfectly.
Bay leaf: A single bay leaf adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
Heavy cream: The cream gives the soup a rich, velvety texture and a luxurious mouthfeel.
One reader, Ardelle Medina says:
This roasted tomato and bacon soup recipe is a game-changer! The smoky flavor of the bacon perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes. The creamy texture and rich aroma make it an absolute delight. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting and flavorful soup.
Essential Techniques for Making Roasted Tomato and Bacon Soup
How to roast tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Drizzle with vegetable or canola oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for about an hour until tender.
How to cook bacon: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy, stirring occasionally (about 8-10 minutes). Once done, transfer the bacon to a heat-proof bowl and reserve about 2 tablespoons of the fat in the stockpot.
How to sauté onions: Add the diced onion to the reserved bacon fat in the stockpot and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
How to puree the soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the stockpot, or transfer the soup in small batches to a blender and puree until smooth. Exercise caution when blending hot liquids.
How to incorporate heavy cream: Stir in the heavy cream into the soup after pureeing it, and remove the pot from the heat before serving.
How To Make Roasted Tomato Bacon Soup
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbsroma tomatoes,halved lengthwis
- 2tbspvegetable oil,or canola
- 6stripsbacon,chopped
- 1smallwhite onion
- 4clovesgarlic,minced
- 1.5cupschicken stock,or vegetable
- 1tbspsmoked paprika
- 1bay leaf
- ⅔cupheavy cream
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment, and lay out tomatoes so that they are in a single layer. Drizzle or mist with 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil, and then sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper. Roast until tomatoes are tender, about an hour.
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Meanwhile, heat a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a heat-proof bowl and set aside, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the fat in the stockpot.
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Add onion and saute for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then add the chicken or vegetable stock, bay leaf, smoked paprika, roasted tomatoes and cooked bacon and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to slightly reduce.
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If desired, use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Or transfer the soup in small batches into a blender and puree until smooth. (Be very careful pureeing hot liquids!) Transfer the soup back to the stockpot and stir in the heavy cream. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 470.08kcal
- Fat: 40.74g
- Saturated Fat: 15.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.08g
- Carbohydrates: 17.32g
- Fiber: 3.71g
- Sugar: 9.88g
- Protein: 11.20g
- Cholesterol: 85.75mg
- Sodium: 445.48mg
- Calcium: 67.94mg
- Potassium: 825.02mg
- Iron: 1.50mg
- Vitamin A: 306.30µg
- Vitamin C: 33.81mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Roasted Tomato and Bacon Soup
When roasting the roma tomatoes, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows for even heat distribution and ensures all the tomatoes roast at the same rate. Overlapping tomatoes may result in uneven roasting, with some tomatoes becoming too soft while others remain undercooked. Also, don't forget to season them well with salt and pepper before roasting, as this will help to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Roast the tomatoes and cook the bacon in advance to cut down on prep time when making the soup.
Use a blender: An immersion blender can make pureeing the soup quick and easy, but be cautious when blending hot liquids.
Multi-task: While the tomatoes are roasting, use that time to chop the onion and garlic to save time in the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Measure out and prepare all the ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the cooking process.
Cleanup as you go: Wash and put away dishes and utensils as you cook to keep the kitchen tidy and save time at the end.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Tomato Bacon Soup Recipe
roma tomatoes - Substitute with plum tomatoes: Plum tomatoes are similar in flavor and texture to Roma tomatoes, making them a suitable substitute for roasting.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a rich and fruity flavor that complements the roasted tomatoes and bacon in the soup.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta offers a similar smoky and savory flavor to bacon, enhancing the depth of the soup's taste.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions provide a slightly sweeter flavor and are a suitable replacement for white onions in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with roasted garlic: Roasted garlic adds a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to raw garlic, enhancing the overall roasted flavor of the soup.
chicken stock - Substitute with vegetable stock: Vegetable stock can be used as a vegetarian alternative and still provides a flavorful base for the soup.
smoked paprika - Substitute with chipotle powder: Chipotle powder offers a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, adding depth and complexity to the soup.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme provides a subtle earthy and floral flavor, complementing the roasted tomatoes and bacon in the soup.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, making it a suitable dairy-free alternative for the soup.
How to Beautifully Present This Roasted Tomato and Bacon Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the roasted tomato and bacon soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the soup and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
Incorporate texture: Add a contrasting element to the dish by serving the soup alongside a slice of toasted sourdough bread. The crunch of the bread will complement the smoothness of the soup, providing a delightful textural experience.
Artful drizzling: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by delicately drizzling a swirl of balsamic glaze over the surface of the soup. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also introduces a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Garnish with bacon crumble: Elevate the presentation by sprinkling a small mound of finely crumbled crispy bacon on top of the soup. This not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a burst of smoky flavor with each spoonful.
Use a unique serving vessel: Consider serving the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a creative and rustic presentation. This adds an element of surprise and elevates the overall dining experience.
Accent with microgreens: Finish the dish with a delicate scattering of microgreens for a touch of elegance and a subtle hint of earthy freshness. The vibrant green hues will beautifully contrast with the rich red tones of the soup, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Roasted Tomato and Bacon Soup
- oven: Preheat to 400 degrees F for roasting the tomatoes.
- baking sheet: Use to roast the tomatoes in a single layer.
- aluminum foil or parchment: Line the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- stockpot: Use to cook the soup and simmer the ingredients.
- immersion blender or blender: Use to puree the soup until smooth.
- heat-proof bowl: Use to transfer the cooked bacon.
- vegetable or canola oil: Drizzle or mist over the tomatoes before roasting.
- spatula or spoon: Use for stirring and cooking the ingredients.
- measuring cups and spoons: Use to measure the ingredients accurately.
- knife and cutting board: Use to chop the onion and garlic.
- ladle: Use to serve the soup.
- stovetop: Use to cook the soup and bacon.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Roasted Tomato and Bacon Soup
- Let the roasted tomato and bacon soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. If using a container, leave about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the container or bag with the name of the soup and the date it was made. This will help you keep track of how long the soup has been stored.
- If storing in the refrigerator, the soup will keep for up to 5 days. Make sure to place the container or bag in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the back.
- When freezing, lay the bag flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing. Once frozen, you can stack the bags to maximize storage space. The soup will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat the refrigerated soup, transfer it to a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. Do not let the soup boil, as this may cause the cream to curdle.
- For frozen soup, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from the freezer. To reheat from frozen, transfer the soup to a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until it has thawed and reached the desired temperature. This may take a bit longer than reheating refrigerated soup.
- If the soup appears to have separated or has a slightly grainy texture after reheating, you can use an immersion blender to puree it again and restore its smooth consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed before serving, as flavors may mellow during storage. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of smoked paprika to brighten up the flavors.
The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Soup
The best way to reheat leftover roasted tomato and bacon soup is to transfer it to a saucepan or pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method ensures that the soup heats evenly and doesn't scorch or stick to the bottom of the pan.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat the soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired amount of soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it can cause the cream to separate or curdle.
For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the soup while reheating it on the stovetop. This will help to refresh the flavor and texture of the soup, especially if it has thickened up in the refrigerator.
If you find that the soup has become too thick after being refrigerated, you can thin it out with a little chicken stock or water while reheating it. Add the liquid gradually, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired consistency.
To add some extra flavor and texture to your reheated soup, consider topping it with some freshly cooked, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. These toppings will give your leftover soup a fresh, gourmet twist.
Interesting Trivia About Roasted Tomato and Bacon Soup
The roasted tomato and bacon soup recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted tomatoes and crispy bacon. This soup is a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and is packed with savory goodness. It's a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the smoky flavor of bacon in one bowl. Plus, the addition of heavy cream adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the soup, making it even more indulgent. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a main course, this soup is sure to be a hit at any meal.
Is Making This Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
The roasted tomato and bacon soup recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of tomatoes and bacon may increase the cost, but the dish's rich flavors and hearty nature make it a satisfying and filling option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20. The soup's versatility and comforting appeal make it a worthwhile investment, earning a solid 8/10 rating.
Is This Soup Recipe Healthy or Not?
The roasted tomato and bacon soup recipe is a delicious comfort food, but it does have some unhealthy aspects. The inclusion of bacon and heavy cream adds significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish. Additionally, the recipe lacks fiber-rich ingredients like vegetables or whole grains, which could help balance out the meal.
However, the recipe does have some redeeming qualities. Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, vitamin C, and other beneficial nutrients. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. The use of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky element without relying solely on bacon for that taste.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of bacon used or opt for a leaner alternative like turkey bacon
- Replace some or all of the heavy cream with a lower-fat option like half-and-half or evaporated skim milk
- Incorporate additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the soup with a side salad or whole-grain bread to create a more balanced meal
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of roasted tomato and bacon soup while also supporting your health and well-being.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Soup
The roasted tomato and bacon soup recipe is a delightful combination of smoky, savory flavors. The slow-roasted tomatoes add a depth of sweetness, while the crispy bacon provides a satisfying crunch. The addition of smoked paprika and creamy heavy cream elevates the soup to a luxurious and comforting dish. The recipe's balance of flavors and textures makes it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a special gathering.
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Why trust this Roasted Tomato Bacon Soup Recipe:
This roasted tomato and bacon soup recipe is a must-try for any soup lover. The combination of roasted tomatoes and crispy bacon creates a rich and savory flavor profile. The use of smoked paprika adds a delightful smokiness, while the addition of heavy cream brings a luxurious and creamy texture. The recipe's step-by-step instructions ensure that the soup turns out perfectly every time. Trust the flavors of roasted tomatoes and bacon to elevate your soup game to a whole new level.
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