Hidden Folder Tomato Basil Soup

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

A rich, velvety tomato soup with a hidden layer of fresh basil and garlic, simmered to perfection for deep, complex flavor. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, then use an immersion blender to puree until completely smooth. Return to low heat.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and heat through for 2-3 minutes until warmed but not boiling. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hidden Folder Tomato Basil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Hidden Folder Tomato Basil 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hidden Folder Tomato Basil 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 Hidden Folder Tomato Basil Soup 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 Hidden Folder Tomato Basil Soup?

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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