Golden Hour Tomato Soup with Herb Oil

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

A velvety tomato soup finished with a shimmering herb-infused oil, capturing the warm glow of sunset. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, (finely diced) yellow onion, (finely diced) carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery, and cook for 8 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
  2. Step 2: Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups broth, dried basil, and dried thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until completely smooth, or carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches.
  4. Step 4: Return soup to the pot and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until heated through and the cream is incorporated (do not boil).
  5. Step 5: Just before serving, drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over each bowl, then sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and parsley for a golden, shimmering finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Golden Hour Tomato Soup with Herb Oil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 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 Golden Hour Tomato Soup with Herb Oil?

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 Golden Hour Tomato Soup with Herb Oil?

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 Golden Hour Tomato Soup with Herb Oil 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 Golden Hour Tomato Soup with Herb Oil?

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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