Smoky Tomato and Thyme Tomato Soup
A deeply flavorful tomato soup infused with fresh thyme and a hint of smokiness, perfect for cool evenings. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow onion, medium, finely diced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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 extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 1 medium, finely diced carrot
- 2, finely diced celery stalk
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, 1 medium finely diced carrot, and 2 finely diced celery stalks. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic. Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 4 fresh thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer for 25 minutes to meld flavors. Remove and discard the fresh thyme sprigs. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Continue simmering uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Tomato and Thyme Tomato Soup 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 Smoky Tomato and Thyme Tomato Soup?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Tomato and Thyme Tomato Soup?
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 Smoky Tomato and Thyme Tomato Soup 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 Smoky Tomato and Thyme Tomato Soup?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
I've tried many soups recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
