Slow-Simmered Heirloom Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil
A comforting bowl of soup made with ripe heirloom tomatoes and a burst of fresh basil, simmered to perfection for a deeply flavorful dish. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs pounds, chopped heirloom tomatoes, medium, diced onion, minced 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 pounds, chopped heirloom tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the chopped heirloom tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover, simmering for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, or transfer to a regular blender in batches.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Heirloom Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Slow-Simmered Heirloom Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil?
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 medium, diced onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Heirloom Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil?
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 Slow-Simmered Heirloom Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil 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.
Is Slow-Simmered Heirloom Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil 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
- ★★★★★
This soup is absolutely divine! The heirloom tomatoes really shine, and the fresh basil is a game-changer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great, but the basil flavor was a bit subtle. Maybe add a bit more next time.
- ★★★☆☆
The soup was too watery for my taste. I'd recommend reducing the liquid more.
