Tomato Basil 'Imbibe' Soup
A slow-simmered tomato soup where basil and garlic flavors fully infuse the broth, creating a deeply aromatic and velvety bowl that embraces the essence of summer. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, large (diced) 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 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 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large (diced) onion
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup (chopped) fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil until shimmering; add 1 diced large onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 2 cups crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to allow flavors to imbue and meld.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp heavy cream until fully incorporated, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to thicken slightly and deepen the flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato Basil 'Imbibe' 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 Basil 'Imbibe' 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 Tomato Basil 'Imbibe' 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 Basil 'Imbibe' 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 Basil 'Imbibe' 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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
