Vintage Auction Tomato Soup with Herb Croutons
A rustic tomato soup simmered with fresh herbs and topped with crispy herb croutons, evoking the charm of estate sale kitchen finds. This american-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, fresh basil 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
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 slice baguette
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, then add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tsp dried thyme, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth, bringing to a gentle simmer and cooking for 20 minutes until flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.
- Step 3: While soup simmers, tear 1 slice baguette into 1/2-inch cubes, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and toast in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 4: Blend the soup briefly with an immersion blender until smooth (or use a regular blender in batches), then serve hot with a sprinkle of toasted baguette cubes on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vintage Auction Tomato Soup with Herb Croutons 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 Vintage Auction Tomato Soup with Herb Croutons?
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 canned crushed tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vintage Auction Tomato Soup with Herb Croutons?
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 Vintage Auction Tomato Soup with Herb Croutons 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 Vintage Auction Tomato Soup with Herb Croutons?
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
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
