Smoked tomato soup with basil cream swirl served in a white bowl, garnished with micro basil and artisan bread crisp

The first time I tasted a smoked tomato soup, it was served in a tiny wine bar tucked into the old quarter of Florence. The flavor was unforgettable: deep, rich, kissed with smoke, and finished with a swirl of basil cream that added bright herbal contrast. It reminded me of the tomato basil soup I grew up with, but this was something else entirely — elevated, elegant, and intentionally plated like fine art.

This recipe brings together homemade tomato soup comfort with restaurant-level presentation. By using fresh tomatoes, slow roasting, and subtle smoke, we create a dish that speaks to both nostalgia and refinement. Whether you're preparing a cozy dinner or curating a chef-inspired spread, this creamy tomato soup variation is sure to impress.


Ingredients for Smoked Tomato Soup with Basil Cream

🍅 For the Smoked Tomato Soup

  • 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (Roma or heirloom work best)
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp sugar

💡 Tip: Roasting intensifies the flavor, mimicking the depth of a true roasted tomato soup.


🌿 For the Basil Cream

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of sea salt


🍽️ Optional Garnishes

  • Micro basil
  • Crushed pink peppercorns
  • Artisan bread crisps
  • Edible flower petals

Step 1: Roast or Smoke the Vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking tray, arrange fresh tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Roast for 35–40 minutes until caramelized and blistered. (This also works as the base for a roasted red pepper and tomato soup — just add one more pepper.)
  3. Optional: After roasting, place veggies in a stovetop smoker for 10 minutes to enhance the smoked tomato soup flavor.

Step 2: Blend and Simmer

  1. Squeeze garlic out of skins. Transfer all vegetables to a blender along with smoked paprika, tomato paste, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
  2. Pour into a saucepan. Add broth and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

💡 This is the point where your soup becomes a luxurious cream and tomato soup once the swirl is added.


Step 3: Make the Basil Cream

  1. In a food processor, combine cream, basil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and light green.
  2. Optional: Strain for extra-silky finish.

This basil and tomato soup recipe component is what transforms a rustic base into something worthy of a tasting menu.


Step 4: Plating Like a Pro

  1. Ladle the hot smoked tomato soup into shallow white bowls.
  2. Drizzle the basil cream in a spiral, dot, or swoosh pattern using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
  3. Add microgreens, peppercorns, or bread crisp for crunch and color.

This plating technique also works for any tomato soup with cream variation.


Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Chianti Classico – earthy + smoky = perfect pairing
  • Sauvignon Blanc – bright, herby, and refreshing
  • Dry Rosé – balances richness with acidity


FAQs

❓ Can I turn this into a roasted red pepper and tomato soup?

✔ Yes! Just add one more red pepper during roasting.

❓ Can I make this with fresh tomato soup recipe techniques?

✔ Absolutely. This dish is rooted in the principles of a classic tomato soup with fresh tomatoes.

❓ How do I make this a baked tomato soup recipe?

✔ After blending, pour soup into oven-safe bowls, top with puff pastry or croutons, and bake until golden.

❓ Is this considered a tomato basil soup recipe?

✔ It’s a gourmet twist on a tomato basil soup — with added smoke and elegance.


Final Thoughts

This smoked tomato soup with basil cream is the definition of fine dining comfort food. It hits all the marks — warm, creamy, slightly smoky, and strikingly beautiful. Plus, thanks to low-competition keywords like basil and tomato soup recipe and cream and tomato soup, it’s also a smart piece of content in your culinary brand’s SEO arsenal.

✨ Tag your creations with #BeyondEveryBite on Instagram or Pinterest, and let’s turn tomato soup into an unforgettable experience.