Ingredients:
- 3 lbs fresh Roma tomatoes, halved
- 1 whole garlic bulb, top sliced off
- 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 3 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions:
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the halved tomatoes, quartered onions, and the garlic bulb (cut side up) on the pan.
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, tossing the tomatoes and onions to coat evenly.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes until the tomato skins are charred in spots and onion edges are deep golden brown.
- Squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of the roasted bulb skins directly into a large pot.
- Add the roasted tomatoes, onions, and any pan juices into the pot.
- Stir in the tomato paste and dried thyme.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves.
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer to a countertop blender in batches, and process until completely smooth.