Zookeeper's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Velvety tomato soup with a whisper of basil, perfect for cool Omaha afternoons, featuring garden-fresh tomatoes and a hint of cream. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs (about 8 medium) diced tomatoes, large, finely chopped onion, medium, grated carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 lbs (about 8 medium) diced tomatoes
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 1 medium, grated carrot
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and grated carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic and dried oregano, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant—do not brown. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, breaking them down with a spoon.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes to meld flavors. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped basil, then simmer for 5 minutes on low heat—do not boil. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Step 5: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra basil leaves. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zookeeper's Creamy 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 Zookeeper's Creamy 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 large, finely chopped onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zookeeper's Creamy 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 Zookeeper's Creamy 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 Zookeeper's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
Italian 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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
