Smoky Tomato and Thyme Tomato Soup

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

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 120 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 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.

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