Map-Ready Tomato Basil Soup
A smooth, velvety soup where each spoonful delivers the exact balance of fresh tomato and basil, like a perfectly aligned map pin. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow onion, medium, finely diced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, finely diced carrot
- 2 stalks, finely diced celery
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks, cooking for 8 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until heated through; adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Map-Ready Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 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 Map-Ready 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 Map-Ready 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 Map-Ready Tomato Basil Soup 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 Map-Ready 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
