Authentic AU Player-Grade Tomato Basil Soup

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

A chef's interpretation of premium jersey craftsmanship, featuring slow-simmered tomato soup with hand-picked basil and artisanal cheese. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs can San Marzano tomatoes, Fresh basil, medium Yellow onion 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely dice onion and carrot. Mince garlic and finely chop 3 tbsp basil (reserve 1 tbsp for garnish).
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and golden at edges.
  3. Step 3: Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Pour in tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and 2 tbsp chopped basil. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
  6. Step 6: Return soup to low heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted and incorporated. Simmer gently for 5 minutes without boiling.
  7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with reserved basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic AU Player-Grade Tomato Basil 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 Authentic AU Player-Grade Tomato Basil 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 can san marzano tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic AU Player-Grade Tomato Basil 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 Authentic AU Player-Grade Tomato Basil Soup 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.

What goes well with Authentic AU Player-Grade Tomato Basil Soup?

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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