Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs
A bright, deeply flavorful tomato soup simmered with fresh basil and herbs, capturing the warmth of sunlight in every spoonful. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 112 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 5 minutes until onion is golden and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juice), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches). Return to pot and reheat gently for 2 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs?
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 Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs?
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 Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs 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 Sun-Drenched Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs 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 best tomato soup I've ever made. Will definitely make again.
- ★★★★★
Loved the vibrant flavor! Made it for a summer dinner and it was perfect.
- ★★★★★
This soup was a hit with my family. The fresh basil really made it shine.
Equipment for this recipe
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