Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil and Thyme
This deeply flavorful soup simmers tomatoes and herbs until the flavors meld into a comforting, vibrant bowl perfect for chilly nights. This american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, large, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2, peeled and diced carrot
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large, diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup diced carrots, and 1/2 cup diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 tbsp dried thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until flavors meld and soup is heated through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Fresh Basil and Thyme?
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 Fresh Basil and Thyme?
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 Fresh Basil and Thyme 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.
What goes well with Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil and Thyme?
American 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
- ★★★★★
Made it for my mother-in-law, she loved it. Called it 'magical'.
- ★★★★★
Best tomato soup I've ever made. Served with grilled cheese.
- ★★★★★
So fresh and flavorful! Made it with garden tomatoes.
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