This may look like your typical creamy tomato soup, but we found that broiling the tomatoes until deeply charred adds a whole other dimension of flavor. This bacon-and-garlic-forward creamy soup is accompanied by a nice toasty slice of garlic bread punched up with Parmesan cheese.
Preheat the broiler with a rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Rub the tomato halves with the olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with salt and pepper. Broil, turning once, until charred, 8 to 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat, stirring, until crisp, 8 minutes. Remove to paper towels. Add the onion and smashed garlic to the pot, season with salt and pepper and cook, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook, 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and any juices along with the basil sprig. Cook until the tomatoes lose their shape, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 3 cups water, bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
Mash together the butter, grated garlic, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Spread on the bread; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake until toasted, about 10 minutes. Cut into pieces.
Discard the basil and puree the soup. Stir in the heavy cream and remaining 2 tablespoons cheese. Divide among bowls. Top with heavy cream, the bacon and torn basil. Serve with the garlic bread.
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Photograph by Andrew Purcell
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