Authentic Martin's Vintage Tomato Basil Soup

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

A rich, slow-simmered soup evoking the timeless craftsmanship of vintage Martin guitars, featuring heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 65 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, medium yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 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: 45 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 285 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 medium yellow onion and 4 garlic cloves finely. Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat, then sauté onions until translucent (8 minutes), adding garlic in the last 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs diced heirloom tomatoes to the pot, stirring to break them down. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until tomatoes are completely broken down and liquid reduces by 1/3.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves and 3 cups vegetable broth, then simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth.
  4. Step 4: Return soup to low heat, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Martin's Vintage Tomato Basil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 Martin's Vintage 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 heirloom tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Martin's Vintage 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 Martin's Vintage Tomato Basil 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 Authentic Martin's Vintage Tomato Basil 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.

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