Simmered Fresh Tomato and Herb Soup
A simple, fragrant soup made with garden-fresh tomatoes and herbs, simmered to perfection. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large ripe tomatoes, vegetable broth, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 100 calories and feeds 2, 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 large ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 2 large ripe tomatoes into 1/4-inch cubes and heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release liquid.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley; bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer to a regular blender in batches), then serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Fresh Tomato and Herb Soup take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Simmered Fresh Tomato and Herb 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 large ripe tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Fresh Tomato and Herb 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 Simmered Fresh Tomato and Herb Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
Is Simmered Fresh Tomato and Herb Soup vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
