Roasted Eggplant & Tomato Soup

Whether you're seeking a hearty meal for a chilly evening or a nutritious dish to warm your soul, this Roasted Tomato and Eggplant Soup is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Let's embark on a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort and gastronomic satisfaction.

Enjoy with the best gluten-free bread or a grilled-cheese.

This recipe takes advantage of the natural sweetness of fresh Italian tomatoes and the smoky undertones of roasted eggplant, creating a delightful blend of textures and tastes. The magic happens as these ingredients come together on a baking sheet in the oven, intensifying their flavors through caramelization. To enhance the depth of the soup, we've included a step where the vegetables and chicken broth are blended to perfection, resulting in a silky-smooth consistency.

Ingredients

  • 5 large fresh Italian tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 medium-sized white onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, cut in half
  • 1 asiatic eggplant, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Vegetables

  • Place the halved tomatoes, diced pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, and diced eggplant on a large baking sheet.

3. Drizzle with Olive Oil

  • Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Toss the vegetables gently to evenly distribute the oil.

4. Season with Salt and Pepper

  • Sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables to taste. You can adjust the seasoning based on your preference.

5. Roast in the Oven

  • Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until they are nicely caramelized and tender. Make sure to toss them halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.

6. Add Vegetables and Broth to Blender

  • Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add the chicken broth to the blender as well.

7. Blend Until Smooth

  • Blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth puree. You may need to do this in batches.

8. Transfer to a Pot

  • Pour the blended mixture into a pot and place it over medium heat.

9. Simmer

  • Let the soup come to a simmer. Allow it to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

10. Adjust Seasoning

  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. If you prefer you can even add a little bit of fresh cream.

11. Serve

  • Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot.