Genuine Slow-Simmered Tomato Soup

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

A pure, unadulterated tomato soup made with sun-ripened tomatoes and a slow simmer that reveals the true essence of the fruit. This american-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs peeled and chopped ripe tomatoes, medium, finely diced onion, grated carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, 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: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 grated carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks, cooking for 8-10 minutes until soft and translucent with no browning.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 lbs chopped peeled tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1 tsp balsamic vinegar, then simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and soup thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree soup until completely smooth (or transfer in batches to a regular blender), then return to pot.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through, serving immediately with a fresh basil garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Genuine Slow-Simmered Tomato 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 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 medium, finely diced onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Genuine Slow-Simmered Tomato 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 Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Soup?

American 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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