True-to-Form Tomato Basil Soup
A pure, vibrant soup made with only the finest tomatoes and fresh herbs, capturing the essence of summer in every spoonful. This american-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs Olive oil, medium Onion, Carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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 medium Onion
- 1/2 cup Carrot
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 1/2 cup chopped carrot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
- Step 4: Return to low heat and simmer for 2 minutes to meld flavors. The soup should be vibrant red and have a thick, velvety texture that coats the back of a spoon.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True-to-Form Tomato Basil 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 True-to-Form Tomato Basil 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 True-to-Form Tomato Basil 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 True-to-Form Tomato Basil 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 True-to-Form Tomato Basil Soup?
American 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
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
