Sequential Tomato Basil Soup with Smoked Paprika
A slow-simmered soup where each ingredient is added in precise sequence to build complex layers of flavor, finished with a whisper of smoky spice. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs Olive oil, finely diced Yellow onion, finely diced Carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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
- 1/2 cup, finely diced Yellow onion
- 1/2 cup, finely diced Carrot
- 14 oz Canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp, chopped Fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Add yellow onion and carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and cook for 2 minutes, breaking up tomatoes with a spoon.
- Step 3: Add vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until flavors meld and carrots are tender.
- Step 4: Uncover, stir in 2 tbsp fresh basil and smoked paprika, then simmer uncovered for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and stir in remaining basil just before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sequential Tomato Basil Soup with Smoked Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Sequential Tomato Basil Soup with Smoked Paprika?
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 Sequential Tomato Basil Soup with Smoked Paprika?
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 Sequential Tomato Basil Soup with Smoked Paprika 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 Sequential Tomato Basil Soup with Smoked Paprika?
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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
