Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?
Yes, but you'll lose the caramelized depth from roasting. Use 28 oz canned whole tomatoes, drain well, roast them alongside garlic and onions at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until slightly darkened at the edges.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
Heavy cream, Greek yogurt, cashew cream, or oat milk all work. Cream and yogurt add tang; plant-based options keep it dairy-free but slightly less rich.
How long does this soup keep?
Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container. Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of stock or water to thin if needed.
Can I make this soup ahead?
Yes. Roast the vegetables the day before and refrigerate, then blend and finish with coconut milk and stock when ready to serve. The soup tastes best freshly blended but reheats well.
Is this soup spicy?
Only if you include the sliced red chilies. For milder soup, remove the seeds or omit them entirely. The base itself is not spicy.