Soup season is here! As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, there is nothing quite like a delicious bowl of homemade soup. While canned tomato soup can be convenient, there's something truly special about making your own from scratch. 

In this recipe, we will show you how to make a rich and flavorful roasted tomato soup that takes only minutes to prep! 

- 8-10 ripe tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened work well)

- 1 Red Bell Pepper (or something spicier if you like!) 

- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped

- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste!)

- Heavy Dash of black pepper

- 1 teaspoon dried basil 

- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 

- 1 Cups Water (Could use chicken broth for more flavor) 

- 1/2 cup heavy cream/whole milk (optional)

- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Start by washing and cutting the tomatoes into halves or quarters. Rough cut and seed your pepper, if using. Place them, along with the chopped onion and peeled garlic cloves, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easier cleanup!).

3. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, onions, and garlic, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the dried basil and oregano for a burst of flavor.

4. Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. If you like more of a roasted/smokey flavor, continue to cook until you see a slight char in the pan. This roasting process intensifies the tomato flavor and brings out more of the tomato's sweetness. 

5. Once the tomatoes are done roasting, transfer everything to a blender or food processor. Make sure to use any liquid on the sheet pan as well! Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. 

6. Add water/broth as needed. It depends on how thin/thick you like your soup. 

8. If you want a creamier texture, add in the heavy cream at this point. This step is optional, but it adds a luxurious touch to your tomato soup.

9. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.

10. Serve your roasted tomato soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

With its rich flavor and velvety texture, this roasted tomato soup is sure to become a new favorite. It's a simple yet satisfying recipe perfect for when you need a quick and delicious meal. Serve with grilled cheese if you like, or even make your grilled cheese into croutons for the top!