Tomato and Garlic Simmer Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. 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.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.

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.

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