Estate Sale's Forgotten Tomato Basil Soup
A creamy, herb-infused tomato soup simmered to perfection with fresh basil, inspired by a vintage recipe discovered in a Midwestern estate sale. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 (28 oz) cans canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes (with juice) and 1 cup vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Puree the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, then return to low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 5 minutes until heated through but not boiling.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Estate Sale's Forgotten Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Estate Sale's Forgotten 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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Estate Sale's Forgotten 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 Estate Sale's Forgotten 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.
Is Estate Sale's Forgotten Tomato Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
