Ingredients:
- 3.3 lbs/1.5 kg cherry tomatoes (or large tomatoes, halved or quartered)
- 1 big red onion
- 3 small sweet peppers or 1-2 large ones (seeds and tough parts removed)
- 1 whole head of garlic (8-12 cloves)
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- 1.5-2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Generous amount of olive oil
- 1 big or 2 smaller white/yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons/28g butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2.74 cups/660ml vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper or chili (to taste)
- Smoked or sweet paprika (1/2 teaspoon or more)
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- A handful of fresh basil
- 1/2 cup/120ml heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Butter
- Bread slices for toasting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F/180°C (with the fan on).
- In a baking tray, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, sweet peppers, garlic cloves, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Roast the mixture in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
- While roasting, sauté chopped white/yellow onions in butter over medium heat until translucent.
- Add tomato paste to the onions and cook briefly.
- Once the roasted tomato mixture is done, transfer it to the stovetop with sautéed onions.
- Pour in vegetable stock, dried oregano, cayenne pepper/chili, paprika, black pepper, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, sugar, and fresh basil. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and blend the soup until smooth.
- Return the soup to the stove, add heavy cream, and bring it to a boil.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Prepare cheese toasts by spreading butter on bread slices and topping with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Grill until the cheese melts.
- Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Accompany with the cheese toasts.
Tips:
- Customize spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure thorough blending for a smooth soup consistency.
- Adjust the creaminess by controlling the amount of heavy cream added.
