Zero Factorial Tomato Soup
A minimalist tomato soup celebrating the mathematical elegance of 0! = 1, featuring just one perfect ingredient with no added salt to highlight natural sweetness. This vegetarian-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs Ripe 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
- 4 cups Ripe tomatoes
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 0 tsp Sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 cups diced ripe tomatoes and cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down into a thick pulp and release their natural juices.
- Step 2: Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and add 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves. Simmer uncovered for 12 minutes until flavors meld and the soup thickens slightly.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches). Season with 0 tsp sea salt—trust the tomatoes' inherent sweetness to shine through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zero Factorial Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Zero Factorial Tomato 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 ripe tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zero Factorial Tomato 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 Zero Factorial Tomato 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 Zero Factorial Tomato Soup?
Vegetarian 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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this zero are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
