Theorem's Tomato Basil Soup
A rich, smooth tomato soup with perfect balance of tomatoes and fresh basil, made using exact ingredient ratios for optimal flavor harmony. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 40 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 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium (finely chopped) onion
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup (chopped) fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and blend with an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 5: Return to low heat and simmer for 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Theorem's 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 Theorem's 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 Theorem's 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 Theorem's 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 Theorem's 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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
