Smooth Media Tomato Basil Soup
A velvety tomato soup with fresh basil that smooths out any digital woes with its comforting warmth. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, finely diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 (14 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 (14 oz) cans crushed tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1 tsp dried basil. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and heat through for 2 minutes without boiling.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smooth Media Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Smooth Media Tomato Basil 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smooth Media Tomato Basil 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 Smooth Media Tomato Basil Soup 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.
Is Smooth Media Tomato Basil Soup 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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
