Tomato Basil Puree Soup
A velvety tomato soup infused with fresh basil that dissolves into the puree, offering a subtle herbal note without visible leaves. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add 1 large onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced; sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups crushed tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth; bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and simmer for 5 minutes more.
- Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches). Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato Basil Puree Soup take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Puree 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 Puree 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 Puree 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 Puree 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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made it for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
This soup is a perfect comfort food. My family loved it, and it's so easy to make!
- ★★★★★
Absolutely delicious. The basil flavor really shines through. Will make again.