Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Garlic and Thyme
A comforting tomato soup simmered gently with fresh basil, garlic, and thyme for deep, homestyle flavor. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup (optional) heavy cream
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in one 28 oz can diced tomatoes with their juices and 4 cups vegetable broth. Add 2 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes to let flavors meld and soup reduce slightly.
- Step 3: Remove thyme sprigs, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth but still slightly textured.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream if using, warming gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 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 Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic 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.
Is Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Garlic and Thyme 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
- ★★★★★
The perfect comfort food on a cold day. My husband even asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
This soup is a revelation! The slow simmer really brings out the flavors, and my family devoured it.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the depth of flavor, but I found it slightly bland without adding extra salt. Took about 2 hours to simmer, which was longer than expected.
