Step 1

Preheat oven to 425 F

Step 2

On parchment or foil-lined sheet pan, spread out tomatoes ( cut side down), onions, and garlic. Sprinkle with the thyme, drizzle with oil and give a good toss. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until onion is tender and tomatoes have just begun to caramelize at their edges.When done, remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3

While the tomatoes are roasting, cut the haloumi into small 3/4 inch cubes. Pat dry. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the haloumi on two sides, until golden, not over crowding and turning heat down if necessary. Place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4

When the tomatoes are cooled, blend them along with all their flavorful juices from the tray, using a blender,  with the cold stock, working in small batches. Or use an immersion blender. Blend until creamy and smooth. Place in a pot, over low heat, add salt and pepper to taste and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in basil (saving some for garnish). Simmer for 10 minutes until soup reduces a bit and flavors meld.

Step 5

Swirl in ½ cup yogurt to the pot of soup. Taste and adjust salt. Add more yogurt ( or sour cream or heavy cream)  if you prefer a creamier soup. (To keep this vegan, a drizzle of good olive oil is nice, and obviously leave off the haloumi.)

Step 6

Serve soup in bowls, with a little swirl of yogurt. Top with a few haloumi croutons and garnish with basil or scallion or chives.