Heirloom Tomato Consommé with Authentic Basil Oil

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

A clear, deeply flavored broth highlighting peak-season tomatoes, finished with a vibrant basil oil that honors traditional Italian techniques. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 155 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, large yellow onion, medium carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.

Prep: 45 min Cook: 110 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 large yellow onion, 1 medium carrot, and 2 celery stalks into 1/4-inch pieces. Mince 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves for the oil.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, combine 1.5 lbs diced heirloom tomatoes, 1 cup water, and 1 tsp sea salt. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 30 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  3. Step 3: Strain the tomato mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot, pressing with a spoon to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
  4. Step 4: Return the strained liquid to the pot and add 1 cup water. Simmer gently for 45 minutes, skimming off any foam until the broth is clear and concentrated.
  5. Step 5: For the basil oil, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 1/4 cup minced basil and gently warm for 5 minutes until the oil turns vibrant green and fragrant—do not let it simmer.
  6. Step 6: Season the consommé with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 tsp additional sea salt. Strain again through a clean cloth for ultimate clarity.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot, drizzling 1 tsp basil oil per bowl just before eating.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Heirloom Tomato Consommé with Authentic Basil Oil take to make?

Total time is about 155 minutes (45 min prep + 110 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 Heirloom Tomato Consommé with Authentic Basil 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 heirloom tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Heirloom Tomato Consommé with Authentic Basil 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 Heirloom Tomato Consommé with Authentic Basil Oil 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 Heirloom Tomato Consommé with Authentic Basil Oil?

Mediterranean 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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