Tax Return Tomato Soup
A comforting, velvety tomato soup with fresh basil and a hint of garlic, ideal for chilly evenings. This french-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs canned crushed tomatoes, finely diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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
- 28 oz, canned crushed tomatoes
- 1, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld and tomatoes thicken.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Return to pot, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and add 1/4 cup heavy cream. Simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through and creamy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tax Return Tomato 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 Tax Return 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 canned crushed tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tax Return 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 Tax Return Tomato 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.
What goes well with Tax Return Tomato Soup?
French 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
- ★★★★★
This soup was a revelation! The flavors were so balanced and fresh, perfect for a cold evening. Made it for my family and they loved it.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious! My kids asked for seconds. The French touch made it special without being complicated.
- ★★★★☆
The soup was good but a bit bland for my taste. I added extra herbs and it improved. Still a 4-star because the recipe is solid.
