Tomato and Thyme Soup with Fresh Basil

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

A vibrant soup where heirloom tomatoes are simmered with thyme until their natural sweetness shines, finished with a burst of fresh basil. This french-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme sprigs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 French cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Core and chop 2 lbs heirloom tomatoes into 1-inch pieces. Finely mince 1 shallot and heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add chopped tomatoes to pot, season with 1 tsp sea salt, and stir in 3 thyme sprigs. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down into a thick sauce.
  3. Step 3: Remove thyme sprigs and blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Return to pot and stir in 2 cups chicken stock. Simmer for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves just before serving, letting them wilt for 1 minute without boiling.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato and Thyme Soup with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Thyme Soup with Fresh Basil?

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 heirloom tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato and Thyme Soup with Fresh Basil?

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 Thyme Soup with Fresh Basil 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 Thyme Soup with Fresh Basil?

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.

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