Low-Heat Tomato Basil Soup
A gently simmered tomato soup with fresh basil, perfect for chilly evenings without overpowering heat. This american-inspired soups ready in about 60 minutes pairs medium, chopped ripe tomatoes, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 4 medium, chopped ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 4 medium chopped ripe tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer uncovered at a bare bubble for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 2 cups chicken broth. Return to low heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Heat Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Low-Heat 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 medium, chopped ripe tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Heat 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 Low-Heat 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 Low-Heat Tomato Basil Soup?
American 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
