Authentic Slow-Infused Tomato & Herb Soup
A deeply flavorful tomato soup that evolves over hours, with layers of sweetness from slow-simmered tomatoes and bright herbal notes from fresh basil. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 95 minutes pairs ripe plum tomatoes, carrots, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ripe plum tomatoes
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 1/2 cup yellow onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Core and roughly chop tomatoes, then place in a large pot with diced carrots and onion. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-low heat for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft and tomatoes have broken down.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in chicken stock and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors have deepened and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in chopped fresh basil, then use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 4: Return to low heat and simmer for 5 more minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Slow-Infused Tomato & Herb Soup take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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 Slow-Infused Tomato & Herb 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 plum tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Infused Tomato & Herb 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 Slow-Infused Tomato & Herb 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.
Is Authentic Slow-Infused Tomato & Herb Soup 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
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 75-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
