Watermelon Gazpacho

This vibrant, savory-sweet Watermelon Gazpacho is a celebration of the summer season. Chilled soup? Yes, please!

The post Watermelon Gazpacho appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Chilled soup?! No way! To this reaction, I say, “Yes way!” If you haven’t tried gazpacho yet, this vibrant, savory-sweet Watermelon Gazpacho is a great place to start. I love the more common tomato gazpacho, but this watermelon gazpacho is super special and celebratory of my favorite season… Summer.

overhead view of watermelon gazpacho in a white bowl with minced fresh herbs.

What Is Gazpacho?

Gazpacho is a chilled soup made from raw blended vegetables (and sometimes fruits, too!). It is widely enjoyed across Spain and Portugal during the hot summer months since it is so cool and refreshing. It was created for everyday workin’ folks to get the most nutrition with the least amount of ingredients possible. So, as far as budget-friendly, healthy, nutrient-packed recipes go, gazpacho is certainly one you’ll want to try!

I added watermelon to mine for a bit of a twist! Watermelon is 92% water, so it makes a great lightly flavored broth that’s so sweet and refreshing.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make watermelon gazpacho:

  • Sherry Vinegar: Adds tanginess to the soup. Rice wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar make great substitutions. Use whichever you have on hand!
  • Olive Oil: Helps to emulsify the soup and gives it a better mouthfeel.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the soup.
  • Watermelon: Forms the bulk of the soup and adds sweetness.
  • Cucumber: Adds a refreshing and delicate flavor.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds savory flavor notes to the soup and deepens the color.
  • Roma Tomatoes: Add a juicy and tangy flavor with subtle acidity.
  • Red Onion: Adds a bit of bite to the soup.
  • Jalapeño: Makes this soup just a little spicy!
  • Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley add a fresh herbal flavor to the soup. Mint also works.

What Else Can I Add?

This fresh and fruity watermelon gazpacho lends itself so well to extra fruits and veggies on fridge cleanout day. Other melons, like cantaloupe or honeydew, can add more bulk and sweetness. Some strawberries add a touch of sweet and sour flavor. For veggies, beets, zucchini, or summer squash are all great choices.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover watermelon gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy chilled for the best flavor.

a bowl of chunky watermelon gazpacho.
overhead view of watermelon gazpacho in a white bowl with minced fresh herbs.
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Watermelon Gazpacho

This vibrant, savory-sweet Watermelon Gazpacho is a celebration of the summer season. Chilled soup? Yes, please!
Course Soup
Cuisine Spanish
Total Cost $8.10 recipe / $1.35 serving
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 bowls (1.5 cups each)
Calories 195kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp sherry vinegar* $0.69
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil $0.57
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.01
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.03
  • 1/2 watermelon, divided (approx. 9 cups)** $2.34
  • 1 cucumber, seeded and diced, divided $0.64
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped, divided $1.48
  • 3 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced, divided $0.63
  • 1/4 red onion, diced $0.30
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced small $0.40
  • 1 Tbsp basil, minced $0.89
  • 1 Tbsp parsley, minced $0.12

Instructions

  • Whisk together sherry vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper.
  • Add 4.5 cups of watermelon, half a peeled and diced cucumber, half of a seeded bell pepper, 2 roma tomatoes, and red onion to blender.
  • Blend until smooth while simultaneously streaming in the vinegar mixture.
  • Pour gazpacho broth into large container and stir in 4.5 cups of diced watermelon, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, 1 seeded and diced roma tomato, seeded and small-diced jalapeno and fresh herbs.
  • Top with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a crank of salt and pepper if you’ve got it! Enjoy cold.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*Rice wine vinegar, white vinegar, and apple cider vinegar make good substitutions, if needed.
**¼ can be cut into messy larger chunks, it will go in the blender to make broth. The other ¼ should be diced into bite-sized pieces to stir in after blending is done. It adds lovely texture!

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 202mg | Fiber: 3g
overhead view of a bowl of chunky watermelon gazpacho.

how to make Watermelon Gazpacho – step by step photos

oil, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a white bowl.

Whisk together 3 Tbsp sherry vinegar, 3 Tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.

ingredients for watermelon gazpacho in blender

Add 4.5 cups of watermelon, half of a peeled and diced cucumber, half of a seeded bell pepper, 2 roma tomatoes, and 1/4 of a diced red onion to blender.

blended watermelon gazpacho in a blender.

Blend until smooth while simultaneously streaming in the vinegar mixture.

a bowl of watermelon gazpacho topped with diced fruits and vegetables.

Pour gazpacho broth into a large container and stir in 4.5 cups of diced watermelon, the remaining half of a peeled and diced cucumber, half of a seeded and diced bell pepper, 1 seeded and diced roma tomato, 1 seeded and brunoised jalapeno, 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil, and 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley. Top with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a crank of salt and pepper if you’ve got it! Enjoy cold.

a spoon scooping a bite of chunky watermelon gazpacho from a white bowl.

This refreshing watermelon gazpacho is sure to cool you off this summer!

The post Watermelon Gazpacho appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Mediterranean Lentil Soup

This vegan Mediterranean Lentil Soup is bright and refreshing. Finished with a squeeze of lemon, it’s the perfect meal for rainy spring days.

The post Mediterranean Lentil Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

In my opinion, a bright and refreshing soup is the perfect way to welcome spring, and this vegan Mediterranean Lentil Soup is the perfect comforting meal for the rainy days to come. A rich and flavorful broth loaded with veggies, lentils, and kale will fill you up for pennies and is a great recipe for fridge clean out day. Finish it off with a squeeze of lemon juice for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.

overhead view of a bowl of mediterranean lentil soup with lemon slices.

Why Make Mediterranean Lentil Soup?

The first time I experienced cinnamon in a savory dish was while cooking at a Lebanese restaurant and it was life changing! This Mediterranean Lentil Soup is the perfect introduction to the savory use of cinnamon. This clean and flavorful lentil soup is a vegan flavor explosion. It’s loaded with protein and fiber, naturally gluten-free, and super versatile. You can toss in just about any veggie or green, so raid the fridge and get cooking!

Ingredients for Mediterranean Lentil Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make Mediterranean lentil soup:

  • Oil: Olive oil is our preferred choice in this recipe for its Mediterranean flavor profile, but vegetable or canola oil will work in a pinch.
  • Mirepoix: A combination of small diced yellow onion, carrots, and celery creates an earthy and sweet base of flavor for this soup.
  • Garlic: The large pieces of crushed garlic versus mincing it fine is intentional to bring out the natural sweetness and flavor of cooked garlic instead of the sometimes-overwhelming bite it has when minced.
  • Cumin: Adds a savory and nutty Mediterranean flavor to this soup.
  • Cinnamon: A great savory application of the spice! It will warm you up from the inside out and make your house smell fantastic.
  • Lentils: We used brown lentils for their firm texture.
  • Vegetable Broth: We used Vegetable flavored Better Than Bouillon in this recipe. If using another brand, make sure salt is not the first ingredient or it’s a waste of money!
  • Lemon Juice: Gives the soup a brightness that is seriously addictive. You can use fresh-squeezed lemon juice and save half of your lemon for garnishing each bowl, or you can use a bottled lemon juice. I always have lemons in the kitchen, so we had some to garnish with, too!
  • Kale: Swiss chard, rainbow chard, spinach, escarole, and all varieties of kale work great, too.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the soup.

Which color lentils are best for soup?

Brown or green lentils work best for this soup, as they will keep their shape after cooking, which is what we’re looking for texture-wise. Red lentils are not recommended because they cook quicker and will dissolve into the soup as they cook, creating a thick and mushy texture.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Mediterranean lentil soup in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes super well for up to 3 months when stored properly in an air-tight container. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a pot set over medium-low heat until warmed through.

overhead view of mediterranean lentil soup in a red dutch oven.
overhead view of 2 bowls of mediterranean lentil soup with lemon slices.
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Mediterranean Lentil Soup

This vegan Mediterranean Lentil Soup is bright and refreshing. Finished with a squeeze of lemon, it's the perfect meal for rainy spring days.
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mediterranean
Total Cost $7.59 recipe / $1.08 serving
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 7 (about 1.5 cups each)
Calories 185kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced small $0.78
  • 2 medium carrots, diced small $0.24
  • 3 stalks celery, diced small $0.36
  • 5 cloves garlic, crushed $0.30
  • 2 tsp ground cumin $0.20
  • 1 tsp cinnamon $0.16
  • 1 cup uncooked brown or green lentils $0.68
  • 8 cups vegetable broth $1.44
  • 4 oz. lemon juice $0.48
  • 3 cups kale, chopped and lightly packed $2.48
  • 1 tsp salt $0.05
  • 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.10

Instructions

  • Rinse the lentils in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Heat the oil in a large soup pot set over medium-high heat. Add in the onions, carrots, and celery and cook until they become tender, about 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in the garlic, cumin, and cinnamon. Heat until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Add the lentils to the pan and heat for 1-2 minutes to slightly toast.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and lemon juice, then bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30-45 minutes.
  • Stir in the greens, season with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste before serving.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1452mg | Fiber: 11g
three-quarters view of mediterranean lentil soup in a white bowl with a lemon slice.

how to make Mediterranean Lentil Soup – step by step photos

mirepoix in a red dutch oven.

Rinse 1 cup brown or green lentils in a strainer under cold water until the water runs clear. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large soup pot set over medium-high heat. Add in 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 3 diced stalks celery and cook until they become tender, about 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with 1 tsp salt and 2 tsp pepper.

mirepoix, spices, and lentils in a red dutch oven.

Stir in 5 crushed cloves garlic, 2 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Heat until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Add the lentils to the pan and heat for 1-2 minutes to slightly toast.

broth added to lentil soup in a red dutch oven.

Pour in 8 cups vegetable broth and 4 oz. lemon juice, then bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30-45 minutes.

kale added to lentil soup in a red dutch oven.

Stir in 3 cups chopped kale, season with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste before serving.

overhead view of a spoon lifting a scoop of mediterranean lentil soup from a red dutch oven.

This Mediterranean lentil soup is going to be your new favorite!

The post Mediterranean Lentil Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Creamy Mushroom Soup

This deliciously rich and creamy Mushroom soup is quick, easy, and perfect for cold winter nights or to pack in a thermos for an easy lunch!

The post Creamy Mushroom Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

I’m all about the creamy soups during the cold winter months, and this incredibly creamy Mushroom Soup is one of the best. This mushroom soup recipe is so easy to make and is as cozy as it gets. You’ll want to serve this soup with some crusty bread or crackers to soak up every drop of that savory creamy broth because it is just to die for. And the best part? Because this mushroom soup is so simple and uncomplicated, it’s also very inexpensive, even when the cost of mushrooms is on the higher side!

Side view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon lifting some out of the bowl.

Ingredients for Mushroom Soup

I love this Creamy Mushroom Soup for its simplicity. It’s just sautéed mushrooms, a creamy broth, and a few simple seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mushroom soup:

  • Mushrooms: I highly suggest using baby bella mushrooms for this soup because they have a nice deep color and rich flavor. White button mushrooms will not add as much color or flavor to the soup. You could also chop up some larger portobello mushroom caps to use in place of the Baby Bellas.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the mushrooms so they get a nice deep brown color, which adds both flavor and color to the soup.
  • Garlic: Garlic adds depth to the flavor and Pairs just perfectly with the flavor of the mushrooms.
  • Butter: Butter adds richness to the soup and combines with the flour to create a roux, which thickens the broth.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour combines with the butter to create a roux, which thickens the broth. Without the flour, the broth will be very thin.
  • Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth is the base for this soup and it provides complexity to the flavor, as well as a nice brown color. You can use mushroom broth instead if you have it.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a deliciously rich and creamy flavor to the soup.
  • Seasonings: This mushroom soup is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, thyme, and soy sauce. The soy sauce adds a wonderfully earthy umami flavor that enhances the mushrooms.

What Else Can I Add?

If you want to put your own spin on this mushroom soup recipe, here are a few other ingredients you can add:

  • Paprika: Add sweet paprika to make it closer to a Hungarian Mushroom Soup.
  • Onion: If you want even more savory vegetable flavor, sauté a finely diced onion with the mushrooms.
  • Sour Cream: To make the soup even richer and to add a slight tang, stir a few dollops of sour cream into the broth at the end.
  • Homemade Croutons: Top your soup with homemade croutons for a delicious garlicky crunch!

Make it Vegan

It’s very easy to convert this recipe to a vegan mushroom soup. Simply use coconut oil in place of the butter to make the roux, and then use full-fat coconut milk in place of the heavy cream. Coconut milk tastes really good in savory recipes like this and actually pairs very well with mushrooms! Check out our Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen for another example of these flavors together.

What to Serve with mushroom Soup

The broth in this soup is extremely rich and creamy and you’re going to want to sop up every drop, so I highly suggest serving it with some crusty bread like our No-Knead Bread, Focaccia Rolls, or Soda Bread. Or, if you don’t want to make homemade bread, at least make sure you have some crackers on hand!

I’d also suggest adding some vegetables on the side to lighten things up, and I’d go for a wintery roasted vegetable like Roasted Brussels Sprouts or our Roasted Cauliflower Salad.

How to Make Mushroom Soup Taste Better

Using really good, full-flavored broth is key to making mushroom soup taste its best. We suggest using Better Than Bouillon to make the broth used in this soup because it has tons of flavor, is budget-friendly, and reduces waste compared to boxed and canned broths. We used their vegetable-flavored bouillon, but you could certainly use their mushroom flavor if you have it.

Overhead view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon in the center.
Side view of a bowl of creamy mushroom soup with a spoon lifting some out of the bowl.
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Creamy Mushroom Soup

This deliciously rich and creamy Mushroom soup is quick, easy, and perfect for cold winter nights or to pack in a thermos for an easy lunch!
Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine American
Total Cost $6.82 recipe / $1.71 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 (1 cup each)
Calories 299kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. baby bella mushrooms $4.59
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced $0.24
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
  • 1 pinch salt & pepper $0.05
  • 4 Tbsp butter $0.47
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour $0.04
  • 3 cups vegetable broth $0.51
  • 1 tsp soy sauce $0.02
  • 1/8 tsp dried thyme $0.02
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream $0.75

Instructions

  • Wash the mushrooms to remove any dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic.
  • Add the olive oil, mushrooms, and a pinch of salt and pepper to a soup pot. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they have released all of their moisture, all the liquid has evaporated from the bottom of the pot, and the mushrooms become very dark brown. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for one minute more.
  • Add the butter and flour to the pot. Stir and cook for about two minutes more, or until the butter coats the bottom of the pot and turns deep golden brown.
  • Once the flour mixture is a bit browned, add the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and thyme. Stir to dissolve all of the flour from the bottom of the pot. Allow the liquid to come up to a simmer, at which point the flour will slightly thicken the broth.
  • Finally, stir the cream into the soup. Give the soup a taste and adjust the salt or pepper to your liking. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Sodium: 904mg | Fiber: 1g
Overhead view of a ladle full of creamy mushroom soup held over the soup pot.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Soup – Step by Step Photos

Sliced mushrooms on a cutting board.

Begin by rinsing and slicing one pound of baby Bella mushrooms.

Sautéed mushrooms in a soup pot.

Add the mushrooms to a soup pot with 1 Tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they release all of their water, the water evaporates, and the mushrooms begin to brown. Add three cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about one minute more.

Flour and butter added to the soup pot with the mushrooms.

Add 3 Tbsp of salted butter and 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour to the pot. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and create a paste with the flour that coats the mushrooms.

Browned roux showing on the bottom of the pot under the mushrooms.

The butter and flour will begin to coat the bottom of the pot. When it becomes medium brown, it’s time to add the liquid to the pot.

Vegetable broth being poured into the soup pot.

Add three cups of vegetable broth, ⅛ tsp thyme, and 1 tsp soy sauce to the soup pot and stir to dissolve all of the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. Allow the broth to come up to a boil, at which point it will thicken slightly from the flour and butter roux.

Heavy cream being poured into the soup.

Once the soup has reached a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and add ½ cup heavy cream. Allow the soup to heat through and begin to simmer gently.

Finished soup being stirred.

Taste the soup and adjust the salt or other seasonings if desired. The soup may need additional salt depending on the salt content of the broth used. We used Better Than Bouillon, which tends to be on the salty side, so we did not need any additional salt.

Overhead view of two bowls of mushroom soup garnished with parsley.

Serve the creamy mushroom soup with your favorite crusty bread and enjoy!

The post Creamy Mushroom Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted tomato soup is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic that are slowly roasted until the flavors are deep, sweet, and cozy!

The post Roasted Tomato Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.

Roasted tomato soup is the perfect transition recipe to usher us from summer into the fall season. This simple soup gives me just enough cozy vibes to get me excited for fall without being too heavy for these last few warm days of summer. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up those last few juicy tomatoes of summer, whether you score them from your local farmer’s market or your backyard. Don’t let any of those gorgeous ‘maters go to waste!

Overhead view of a bowl of roasted tomato soup with a spoon and grilled cheese on the side.

What’s in Roasted Tomato Soup

I love this Roasted Tomato Soup because it’s incredibly simple, yet totally elegant. It’s the type of recipe that really makes you feel pampered even though it doesn’t take a lot of work. You’ll need these ingredients to make tomato soup:

  • Fresh tomatoes: The fresher the better when it comes to this homemade tomato soup! If you can score some home-grown or locally-grown tomatoes, that will give you the best flavor.
  • Onion: The natural sugars in the onion caramelize while roasting, giving this soup a natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, as well as a nice savory base note.
  • Garlic: Garlic gives the soup depth and I just can’t do tomato without it’s best friend, garlic. ;)
  • Olive oil: Olive oil helps the vegetables caramelize without drying out and it adds some body to the soup, so it doesn’t feel quite so thin on the palate.
  • Vegetable broth: Adds both volume and flavor to the soup. You can substitute chicken broth if preferred.
  • Basil: The seasoning is simple in this soup so that the natural flavors of the tomatoes really shine. Just a little basil does the trick!
  • Salt and pepper: It’s all about balance! Salt helps flavors pop and pepper adds just a little sparkle of flavor.

The Best Tomatoes for Tomato Soup

Tomatoes are the main ingredient in this easy soup, so picking the best tomatoes is key to making the soup really great. Here are some tips for choosing the best tomato for the job:

  • Fresh, vine-ripened tomatoes will give the best flavor and color to the soup. If you grow your own tomatoes or have a neighbor with a green thumb, take advantage! Or, try to source from a farmer’s market, when possible.
  • If tomatoes are not in season and you have to source from the grocery store, smaller varieties, like grape, cherry, plum, or Roma tomatoes will provide the best flavor. Roma tomatoes tend to be the most budget-friendly, but can sometimes be the least fresh, so make sure to check for freshness.
  • Avoid tomatoes that are large, pale, or grown in a hothouse. While these tomatoes may be great for slicing or dicing, they won’t provide much flavor to the soup.

What Else Can I Add?

The recipe below is elegantly simple, but you can jazz it up if you have some of the following ingredients on hand:

  • Fresh basil – blend into the soup when puréeing the vegetables, or top each bowl with fresh leaves
  • Parmesan – either use to top each bowl of soup or simmer a Parmesan rind in the soup
  • Cream – Swirl in a ½ cup to the pot for a deliciously creamy finish
  • Red bell pepper – roast with the tomato, onion, and garlic for a sweeter soup
  • Flavored olive oil – drizzle a little extra over each bowl just before serving for more depth of flavor
  • Pesto – add a shot of herbs, Parmesan, and flavorful oil all in one spoonful!

What to Serve with Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese, of course! If you want something truly epic, try making an air fryer grilled cheese, spinach and feta grilled cheese, or pesto grilled cheese. Or, if you’re looking for something on the lighter side, try pairing this tomato soup with a veggie sandwich or a classic cucumber sandwich. Or just serve it with some garlic bread on the side.

A pot of roasted tomato soup being stirred with a spoon.
Overhead view of a bowl of roasted tomato soup with a spoon dipping into the center.
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Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted tomato soup is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic that are slowly roasted until the flavors are deep, sweet, and cozy!
Course Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine American
Total Cost $8.62 recipe / $2.16 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 4 (1.5 cups each)
Calories 145kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. fresh tomatoes $7.18
  • 1 yellow onion $0.36
  • 4 cloves garlic $0.32
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
  • 1/2 tsp salt, divided $0.03
  • 1/8 tsp freshly cracked pepper $0.02
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil $0.05
  • 2 cups vegetable broth $0.34

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Cut the tomatoes into quarters or halves, depending on the size of the tomatoes. Slice the onion into 1-inch wide wedges. Peel the garlic.
  • Place the tomatoes, onions, and garlic on a large sheet pan. Sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt and tsp pepper, then drizzle with the olive oil. Toss to coat everything in oil.
  • Roast the vegetables in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until they become slightly browned on the edges.
  • Transfer the vegetables and all of the juices to a soup pot and purée with an immersion blender. Or, transfer to a blender, add the vegetable broth, and purée.
  • Add the basil and vegetable broth (if not already combined) to the soup pot and heat over medium. Allow the soup to come up to a simmer, then continue to simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
  • After simmering for 10 minutes, add salt to taste. The total amount of salt needed with depend on the salt content of the broth used, so start with ¼ tsp and add more until the flavors are vibrant. Serve hot with a grilled cheese or garlic bread for dipping!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Sodium: 780mg | Fiber: 5g
Grilled cheese being dipped into a bowl of roasted tomato soup.

How to Make Roasted Tomato Soup – Step by Step Photos

Tomatoes, onions, and garlic on a sheet pan being drizzled with olive oil.

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Cut 3 lbs. of fresh, ripe tomatoes into quarters (or, if using a small variety, cut in half). Slice one yellow onion into 1-inch wide wedges and peel four cloves of garlic. Add the tomatoes, onions, and garlic to a large sheet pan. Add ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp pepper, and 2 Tbsp olive oil, then toss to coat.

Roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic on the sheet pan.

Roast the tomatoes, onions, and garlic in the preheated 400ºF oven for 40-45 minutes, or until there is some browning on the edges of the tomatoes and onions.

Vegetables being blended in the soup pot with an immersion blender.

Transfer the vegetables and all their juices to a soup pot and use an immersion blender to purée. Or, transfer them to a blender and the broth to cool them down, then purée.

Basil and broth added to the soup pot.

Add ½ tsp dried basil and 2 cups of vegetable broth to the pot with the puréed vegetables. Place the pot over medium heat and allow it to come up to a simmer. Simmer the soup, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

Finished roasted tomato soup in the soup pot being stirred with a spoon.

After simmering for about 10 minutes, give the soup a taste and add salt to help the flavors pop. The amount of salt needed will depend greatly on the salt content of the broth used, so start with ¼ tsp and add more until the soup tastes vibrant.

Close up of roasted tomato soup in a ladle over the pot.

Don’t forget to make an epic grilled cheese to go along with your fresh homemade tomato soup!

The post Roasted Tomato Soup appeared first on Budget Bytes.