Half-Cup Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons
A velvety tomato soup made with precisely half a cup of tomato paste for deep flavor, paired with herb-crusted croutons that use only half the usual bread quantity. This italian-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (1 can) diced tomatoes, tomato paste, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 195 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
- 28 oz (1 can) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/4 cup packed fresh basil
- 1 slice (1/2 inch thick) bread
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent, then stir in 1 clove minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, then pour in 1 cup vegetable broth and 28 oz diced tomatoes, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then stir in 1/4 cup packed fresh basil and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Step 4: Puree soup with an immersion blender until smooth, then stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and simmer for 3 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, cut 1 slice bread into 1/2-inch cubes, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and toast in a skillet over medium heat for 4 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Cup Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Half-Cup Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons?
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 (1 can) diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Cup Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons?
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 Half-Cup Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons 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 Half-Cup Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
