Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beefsteak or plum (Roma) tomatoes, preferably garden fresh
  • 1 large sweet onion, sliced
  • 2 garlic heads, peeled (about 20 cloves)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • Sour cream for garnish

Method

  • Position the oven racks so that they are evenly spaced.
  • Preheat the oven to convection roast at 450F.
  • Oil two large, shallow baking sheets.
  • Wash, core, and halve the tomatoes.
  • Arrange half the tomatoes on each baking sheet and scatter the onion over them.
  • Add the garlic and drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables.
  • Using a spatula, turn the vegetables until they are coated with the olive oil, then spread them out in a single layer.
  • Sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
  • Roast the vegetables for 15 to 20 minutes, until the onion begins to brown slightly.
  • Puree the roasted vegetables in a food processor fitted with the steel blade or a blender in batches, adding the basil and thyme and some of the chicken broth to each batch.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the soup hot or cold with a dollop of sour cream.