Heirloom Tomato Soup with Smoked Paprika

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

A rich, velvety soup celebrating heritage tomatoes and a hint of smokiness, embodying the true spirit of slow-cooked comfort. This french-inspired soups ready in about 75 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, yellow onion, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 185 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: 25 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 French cuisine 185 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery; cook for 8-10 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add chopped heirloom tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for 15 minutes until tomatoes break down and liquid reduces slightly.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree soup until completely smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches). Return to pot and stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4 cup heavy cream.
  5. Step 5: Heat gently for 3-4 minutes until warmed through (do not boil), then stir in 2 tbsp fresh basil. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste until the soup feels rich and balanced on the tongue.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Heirloom Tomato Soup with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (25 min prep + 50 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 Soup with Smoked Paprika?

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 Soup with Smoked Paprika?

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 Soup with Smoked Paprika 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 Heirloom Tomato Soup with Smoked Paprika?

French 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

Related recipes