AOL News Tomato Soup
A vibrant, herb-infused tomato soup with a hint of lemon, inspired by the daily headlines of AOL news. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs ripe tomatoes, medium yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1 medium yellow onion into 1/4-inch cubes and mince 3 garlic cloves. Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add onions, and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs peeled and chopped ripe tomatoes to the pot, stirring to break them down. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until tomatoes are soft and liquid reduces by half, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and 1 tsp lemon zest, then pour in 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth. Return to low heat, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, and cook for 2 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened, stirring until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does AOL News Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover AOL News Tomato Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ripe tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in AOL News Tomato Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale AOL News Tomato Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with AOL News Tomato Soup?
Mediterranean soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
