Tomato and Garlic Simmer Soup
Bright, sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic garlic create a vibrant, no-sugar broth that warms the soul with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, medium onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 (14-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring frequently.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 (14-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes and 4 cups chicken broth, then add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato and Garlic Simmer Soup 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 Tomato and Garlic Simmer 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato and Garlic Simmer 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 Tomato and Garlic Simmer 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 Tomato and Garlic Simmer Soup?
Mediterranean whole30 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.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
