Introduction
Welcome to an exciting culinary expedition where the traditional meets the modern kitchen technology. If you're in the UK and looking for a comforting bowl of roasted tomato and basil soup, you're in for a treat. This delightful recipe is not only simple to make, but also takes advantage of the ever-popular air fryer to infuse your soup with rich, roasted flavours. Follow along to learn how to prepare this classic dish with a modern twist.
The Joy of Air Frying
Air frying has taken the culinary world by storm, and it's easy to understand why. This revolutionary technique uses rapid air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy textures without excessive oil. It's especially fantastic for roasting vegetables, as it helps lock in flavours while retaining a wonderful texture. For this recipe, an air fryer allows you to achieve perfectly roasted tomatoes that serve as the delicious foundation of our soup.
Ingredients
- 1 kg ripe tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 500 ml vegetable stock
- 20 leaves fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crème Fraîche or sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Toss the halved tomatoes, garlic, onion, carrot, and red bell pepper with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly in the air fryer basket.
- Roast the Vegetables: Air fry the vegetables for 15-20 minutes until they are slightly charred and soft. Shake the basket halfway through the roasting process to ensure even cooking.
- Blend the Soup: Transfer the roasted vegetables into a large pot, add the vegetable stock and basil leaves. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunky texture, blend for a shorter period.
- Heat and Serve: Simmer the soup on low heat for about 10 minutes to let the flavours meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Tomato Selection: Use ripe and juicy tomatoes such as vine-ripened or Roma for the best flavour.
- Smooth or Chunky: Adjust the blending time to match your preferred texture—blend longer for smooth, and less for chunkier soup.
- Vegan Option: Skip the crème fraîche to keep the soup vegan-friendly, or substitute with a vegan alternative.
Conclusion
There you have it, an easy and flavourful roasted tomato and basil soup that's perfect for any occasion. Using an air fryer not only simplifies the process but enhances the taste with its roasting capabilities. This recipe is a delightful example of how traditional dishes can be reinvented with modern kitchen appliances. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness, perfect for a cozy evening or a simple mid-week dinner. Bon appétit!