Aperol Tomato Soup with Herb Crisps

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety tomato soup infused with Aperol's citrus notes, garnished with crispy herb crackers for a sophisticated twist on a classic. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, finely diced yellow onion, grated carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and 1/2 cup grated carrot; cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cups diced fresh tomato and cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes release moisture and begin to break down.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 2 tbsp Aperol, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Return to low heat, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, and simmer for 3 minutes until warmed through.
  5. Step 5: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and serve with 6 chive crackers per serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol Tomato Soup with Herb Crisps take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Aperol Tomato Soup with Herb Crisps?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol Tomato Soup with Herb Crisps?

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 Aperol Tomato Soup with Herb Crisps 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 Aperol Tomato Soup with Herb Crisps?

Italian 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.

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