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 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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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 should I serve with Zero Factorial Tomato Soup?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
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.
