Auction Block Tomato & Basil Soup with Crispy Bread Croutons
A vibrant, rustic tomato soup featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, served with golden-brown croutons for a satisfying, no-fuss meal. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Canned crushed tomatoes, Yellow onion, Carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Yellow onion
- 1/2 cup Carrot
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 slices Bread
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely chop 1/2 cup yellow onion and 1/2 cup diced carrot. Mince 2 garlic cloves. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 4: While soup simmers, tear 2 slices of bread into 1-inch cubes. Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add bread cubes, and toast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp, stirring frequently.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Auction Block Tomato & Basil Soup with Crispy Bread Croutons take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Auction Block Tomato & Basil Soup with Crispy Bread Croutons?
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 canned crushed tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Auction Block Tomato & Basil Soup with Crispy Bread Croutons?
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 Auction Block Tomato & Basil Soup with Crispy Bread Croutons for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Auction Block Tomato & Basil Soup with Crispy Bread Croutons vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The croutons were divine—so crisp and buttery. Made it for a rainy Sunday dinner, and the whole family called it 'restaurant quality'!
- ★★★★★
This soup captured the essence of summer tomatoes and fresh basil perfectly. My kids asked for seconds and even my picky eater loved the crispy croutons!
- ★★★★☆
Perfect comfort food for cold nights. The croutons took 15 minutes longer to crisp than the recipe said, but worth the wait!
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