Phantom Battery Tomato Basil Soup

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

A velvety tomato soup with a hidden herb infusion, inspired by the '208% phantom battery' error in Ring devices. The creamy finish mimics a perfect connection. This american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs (800g) diced tomatoes, (150g) chopped onions, minced garlic 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: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 185 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 cup chopped onions and 1 stalk diced celery, then sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 medium diced carrot, cooking for 2 minutes until garlic is golden but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 28 oz diced tomatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, and 1 tsp dried basil. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches. Return to pot and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, then simmer for 5 minutes until the soup thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Phantom Battery 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 Phantom Battery 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 (800g) diced tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Phantom Battery 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 Phantom Battery 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 Phantom Battery 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.

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