Tomato Consommé with Garden Herbs

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

A clear, flavorful tomato broth infused with garden herbs, perfect for a light lunch or starter using heirloom varieties. This french-inspired soups ready in about 80 minutes pairs (cored and chopped) heirloom tomatoes, medium (finely diced) yellow onion, medium (finely diced) carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 95 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: 25 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 French cuisine 95 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 2 lbs chopped heirloom tomatoes, 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 medium diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and tomatoes release liquid.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 tbsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing gently on solids with a spoon to extract liquid. Discard solids.
  4. Step 4: Return strained liquid to the pot and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until reduced by 1/3 and the broth is clear and flavorful. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, then adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato Consommé with Garden Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 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 Consommé with Garden Herbs?

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 medium (finely diced) carrot from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato Consommé with Garden Herbs?

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 Consommé with Garden Herbs 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 Consommé with Garden Herbs?

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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