Secret-Ingredient Tomato Soup
A velvety tomato soup with a hidden umami boost from sun-dried tomatoes that deepens the flavor without altering the color. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, yellow onion, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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
- 1/2 cup yellow onion
- 1/2 cup carrot
- 2 cloves garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and 1/2 cup diced carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant and the tomatoes begin to release oil.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme, then bring to a gentle simmer; cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth, then stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and simmer for 2 more minutes until warmed through and the cream is fully incorporated.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Secret-Ingredient 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-Ingredient 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Secret-Ingredient 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-Ingredient Tomato 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 Secret-Ingredient 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
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
