Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Crusty Bread
A deeply aromatic tomato soup simmered with fresh basil, served with a slice of crusty bread for comforting simplicity. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 onion, finely chopped, and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 garlic cloves, minced, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Ladle into bowls and serve immediately with 4 slices crusty bread on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Crusty Bread 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Crusty Bread?
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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Crusty Bread?
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 Basil Soup with Crusty Bread 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Crusty Bread?
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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for fall evenings. The basil infusion was spot-on—no need for extra seasoning!
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds. The slow-simmered depth of flavor made it feel special.
- ★★★★★
Better than any restaurant version. The recipe is foolproof and the crusty bread was divine.
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