The Best of Friends' Tomato Basil Soup
A comforting, aromatic soup made with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for sharing with friends or family. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, onion, carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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 cup onion
- 1/2 cup carrot
- 1/2 cup celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 cup diced onion, 1/2 cup diced carrot, and 1/2 cup diced celery, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 28 oz canned diced tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth, or transfer to a regular blender in batches.
- Step 5: Return to low heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does The Best of Friends' Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 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 The Best of Friends' 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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in The Best of Friends' 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 The Best of Friends' Tomato Basil 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 The Best of Friends' Tomato Basil Soup?
Italian 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
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
