Genuine Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup
A velvety tomato soup simmered for hours to develop deep, authentic flavors, finished with fresh basil and a hint of cream for luxurious richness. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, (28 oz) cans canned crushed tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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 (1 cup) yellow onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 (28 oz) cans canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add 1 cup chopped onion and cook for 8-10 minutes until translucent and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp sugar. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches). Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through and lightly thickened.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Genuine Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Genuine Slow-Simmered 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 Genuine Slow-Simmered 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 Genuine Slow-Simmered 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 Genuine Slow-Simmered 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 40-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
