Two-Part Tomato Basil Soup
A comforting vegetarian soup where tomatoes and vegetable broth form equal, harmonious layers of flavor. This vegetarian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, fresh basil 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
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1.5 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 2: Stir in 14 oz diced tomatoes and 1.5 cups vegetable broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Return to low heat, add 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes more until flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Two-Part Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Two-Part 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 diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Two-Part 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 Two-Part 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.
Is Two-Part Tomato Basil Soup vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
