Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Garden Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting tomato soup slow-simmered with fresh garden herbs, perfect for a cozy meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs ripe tomatoes, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 chopped ripe tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
  5. Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Garden Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Tomato and Basil Soup with Garden Herbs?

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 ripe tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Garden Herbs?

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 Tomato and Basil Soup with Garden Herbs 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.

Is Slow-Simmered Tomato and Basil Soup with Garden Herbs 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.

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