Authentic Martin's Tomato Basil Soup

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

A deeply flavorful tomato soup inspired by the 'authentic' craftsmanship of vintage Martin guitars, featuring slow-simmered tomatoes and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs ripe Roma tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, large, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large finely diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs diced Roma tomatoes, 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 25 minutes until tomatoes are completely broken down and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches), then return to low heat to warm through without boiling.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Martin's 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 ripe roma tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Martin's 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 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 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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