Secret Carrot & Spinach Tomato Soup
A vibrant, smooth tomato soup that disguises grated carrots and fresh spinach into its rich base, making it a nutrient-packed favorite for vegetable-shy eaters. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium onion, 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 cup spinach
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add 1 finely chopped medium onion, and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 finely diced medium carrot, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup fresh spinach, 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1/4 tsp dried thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 5: Return soup to the pot, stir in 1/2 cup milk, and heat gently for 5 minutes until warmed through (do not boil).
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Secret Carrot & Spinach Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Secret Carrot & Spinach Tomato 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Secret Carrot & Spinach Tomato 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 Secret Carrot & Spinach Tomato 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 Secret Carrot & Spinach Tomato 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
- ★★★★☆
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.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
