Roasted Fennel and Tomato Soup Recipe
Introduction
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Roasted Fennel and Tomato Soup, a delightful fusion of sweet, caramelized fennel and sun-ripened tomatoes, perfectly blended into a creamy, luscious concoction that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. This European-inspired dish is a fantastic vegetarian option for a cozy appetizer or a light meal, making it a wonderful addition to any culinary repertoire. Paired with crusty bread or your favorite toast, this soup promises a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful soup:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fennel bulbs | 4 bulbs |
| Tomatoes | 4 medium-sized |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Vegetable stock | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (freshly ground) | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried Rosemary | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried Basil Leaves | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 15 mg |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Preparation of Ingredients:
Start by washing the fennel bulbs and tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a kitchen towel to ensure they roast perfectly without excess moisture. -
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 200°C (about 400°F) to preheat, allowing the heat to circulate adequately for roasting. -
Prepare the Baking Tray:
While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking tray with 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to prevent sticking. -
Chop and Arrange:
Carefully slice the fennel bulbs into approximately 1-inch slices and halve the tomatoes. Spread the fennel, tomato halves, and chopped garlic evenly on the greased baking sheet, ensuring they are well spaced for even roasting. -
Seasoning:
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil over the arranged vegetables and sprinkle with salt to enhance their natural flavors. -
Roasting:
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and roast the fennel and tomatoes for about 20-30 minutes. You should start to see slight charred marks appear, indicating they are beautifully caramelized. -
Cooling:
Once roasted, carefully remove the tray from the oven and let the vegetables cool for a few minutes. If your blender can accommodate hot ingredients, you can proceed to the next step. Otherwise, allow them to cool completely before blending. -
Blending:
Transfer the roasted fennel, tomatoes, and garlic into a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree, adding a little vegetable stock or water as needed to reach your desired consistency. -
Cooking the Soup:
Pour the fennel and tomato puree into a saucepan. Add in the butter, vegetable stock, salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried rosemary, and dried basil. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. -
Finishing Touches:
Once boiling, reduce the heat and stir in the fresh cream, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional minute. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or spices to suit your palate. -
Serving:
Ladle the warm Roasted Fennel and Tomato Soup into serving bowls. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each bowl with a swirl of fresh cream and a sprinkle of herbs. This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or delightful slices of Mushrooms on Toast, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Conclusion
This Roasted Fennel and Tomato Soup is not just a dish; it’s an experience that captures the essence of European culinary traditions while celebrating the fresh, vibrant flavors of simple ingredients. The roasting process brings out the sweetness in fennel and tomatoes, transforming them into a rich, comforting soup that will surely be a hit at any dining table. Enjoy this heartwarming recipe, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
Feel free to explore your creativity by adding different herbs or spices to make this soup uniquely yours. Happy cooking!
