A warm, comforting bowl of tomato basil soup is perfect for any day. This instant pot recipe brings together fresh vegetables and rich cheeses to create a flavorful dish quickly and easily.
Photos of Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common, San Marzano tomatoes and pecorino romano cheese might not be in your pantry. Look for the tomatoes in the canned goods section and the cheese in the specialty cheese area of your supermarket.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
Unsalted butter: Provides a creamy texture and enhances flavor.
Celery: Adds a subtle earthy flavor and crunch.
Carrots: Contributes sweetness and depth to the soup.
Onions: Offers a robust base flavor essential for the soup.
All purpose flour: Thickens the soup for a creamy consistency.
Chicken broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid base.
2% Milk: Adds creaminess without too much fat.
San Marzano whole plum tomatoes: Known for their sweet flavor and low acidity.
Fresh thyme: Adds a subtle earthy note.
Fresh basil: Imparts a fresh, aromatic flavor to the soup.
Bay leaves: Infuses a slight herbal essence.
Parmesan rind: Deepens the flavor of the broth as it cooks.
Pecorino romano cheese: Provides a sharp, salty finish.
Kosher salt: Seasons the soup.
Fresh black pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances flavor.
One reader, Gwenore Poston says:
This tomato basil soup is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the Instant Pot makes it so easy. Perfect for a cozy night in.
Techniques Required for Making Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup
How to use the sauté function on an Instant Pot: Explanation on how to activate and use the sauté function to cook ingredients directly in the Instant Pot. How to roughly crush tomatoes: Explanation on how to crush whole plum tomatoes with hands to break them into smaller pieces. How to perform a quick or natural release on an Instant Pot: Explanation on the difference between quick release and natural release, and how to safely perform each method. How to blend soup using an immersion blender: Explanation on how to use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth.
How To Make Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup
Stay warm on cold nights with a bowl of this flavorful tomato basil soup! It’s loaded with plum tomatoes and tender veggies, simmered in a creamy broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tspolive oil
- 1tbspunsalted butter
- 1cupcelery,finely diced
- 1cupcarrots,finely diced
- 1cuponions,finely diced
- 2tbspall purpose flour,or gluten-free flour
- 3½cupschicken broth,reduced sodium, or vegetable broth
- 1¾cups2% milk,reduced fat
- 28ozSan Marzano whole plum tomatoes,(1 can), with juice
- 1fresh thyme
- ¼cupfresh basil,chopped
- 2bay leaves
- parmesan,or romano cheese rind, optional
- ⅓cuppecorino romano cheese,grated
- ¾tspkosher salt,or more to taste
- fresh black pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Use the sauté button on the Instant Pot, then add the oil and butter, then when melted, add the celery, carrots, and onions. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until tender.
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Add the flour, stir, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broth, milk, and the juice of the tomatoes into the Instant Pot. Roughly crush the tomatoes with hands, then add to the pot.
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Add the thyme, basil, and bay leaves and parmesan rind.
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Cover and cook at High pressure for 30 minutes.
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Quick or natural release, remove the cheese rind and herbs, then blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
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Add the ⅓ cup grated Pecorino cheese, salt, and pepper, adjusting to taste.
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Ladle into bowls, top each with basil and 1 teaspoon of parmesan. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 204.13kcal
- Fat: 8.95g
- Saturated Fat: 4.11g
- Trans Fat: 0.14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.45g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.81g
- Carbohydrates: 21.81g
- Fiber: 3.41g
- Sugar: 11.69g
- Protein: 10.47g
- Cholesterol: 22.61mg
- Sodium: 609.81mg
- Calcium: 212.64mg
- Potassium: 741.60mg
- Iron: 1.33mg
- Vitamin A: 297.61µg
- Vitamin C: 23.32mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup
When sautéing the celery, carrots, and onions in the olive oil and butter, make sure to cut the vegetables into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and enhances the flavor base of your soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Soup Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop celery, carrots, and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-crushed tomatoes: Substitute whole plum tomatoes with pre-crushed tomatoes to skip the crushing step.
Instant pot sauté function: Utilize the sauté function on the instant pot to cook vegetables directly in the pot, saving on cleanup time.
Pre-measure spices and herbs: Measure out thyme, basil, and bay leaves before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Immersion blender convenience: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to save time on transferring and cleaning.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for sautéing.
unsalted butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, buttery flavor and can be used in the same quantities as butter.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar texture and adds a subtle anise flavor that complements the soup.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good alternative.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantities as onions.
all purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent and is gluten-free.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup.
2% milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and a slight sweetness, suitable for dairy-free diets.
san marzano whole plum tomatoes - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar consistency and flavor.
fresh thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used in smaller quantities as it has a more concentrated flavor.
fresh basil - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can be used in smaller quantities, though fresh is preferred for its vibrant flavor.
bay leaves - Substitute with oregano: Oregano adds a different but complementary herbal note to the soup.
parmesan - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is suitable for vegans.
pecorino romano cheese - Substitute with grated asiago: Asiago has a similar sharp, salty flavor and can be used in the same quantities.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it an easy swap.
fresh black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor, suitable for a smoother appearance.
Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup
Serve in elegant bowls: Choose high-quality, white porcelain bowls to highlight the vibrant color of the tomato basil soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Top each bowl with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan for a touch of elegance and aroma.
Drizzle with olive oil: Add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top of the soup to enhance its richness and add a glossy finish.
Add a cheese crisp: Create a parmesan or pecorino romano cheese crisp by baking thinly spread cheese until golden and crispy. Place it delicately on the side of the bowl for a crunchy texture contrast.
Use microgreens: Sprinkle a few microgreens on top of the soup for a fresh, vibrant look and an added layer of flavor.
Serve with artisan bread: Accompany the soup with a slice of toasted artisan bread brushed with olive oil and a hint of garlic, served on a separate small plate.
Add a swirl of cream: Just before serving, add a small swirl of heavy cream or crème fraîche to the center of the soup for a luxurious touch.
Use a contrasting plate: Place the bowl on a larger, dark-colored plate to create a striking contrast that draws attention to the vibrant soup.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish with a few edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add a pop of color and a delicate, floral note.
Finish with cracked pepper: Add a final touch of freshly cracked black pepper on top of the soup to enhance its aroma and provide a slight kick.
Essential Tools for Making Tomato Basil Soup in an Instant Pot
Instant Pot: A multi-functional electric pressure cooker used to sauté vegetables and cook the soup under high pressure.
Sauté button: A function on the Instant Pot used to heat the oil and butter and cook the vegetables until tender.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables to enhance their flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sautéed vegetables.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, butter, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the celery, carrots, onions, chicken broth, and milk.
Knife: Used to chop the celery, carrots, and onions.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.
Wooden spoon: Used to stir the vegetables and flour in the Instant Pot.
Can opener: Used to open the can of San Marzano whole plum tomatoes.
Hands: Used to roughly crush the tomatoes before adding them to the pot.
Immersion blender: Used to blend the soup until smooth after cooking.
Ladle: Used to serve the soup into bowls.
Bowls: Used to serve the finished soup.
Grater: Used to grate the pecorino romano cheese and parmesan for topping.
Cheese rind: Added to the soup for extra flavor and removed before blending.
Thyme: Fresh herb added to the soup for flavor.
Basil: Fresh herb added to the soup and used as a garnish.
Bay leaves: Added to the soup for additional flavor and removed before blending.
Salt: Used to season the soup to taste.
Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper used to season the soup to taste.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Tomato Basil Soup
- Let the tomato basil soup cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
- If using freezer bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the soup in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- If the soup appears too thick after freezing and reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
How To Reheat Leftover Tomato Basil Soup
Reheat the leftover tomato basil soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
For a quick and easy reheating option, transfer the leftover soup to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through. Be careful not to overheat the soup, as it may cause the milk to curdle or the flavors to become muted.
If you have stored the leftover soup in a freezer-safe container, you can reheat it directly from frozen. Place the frozen soup in a saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring frequently, until it's thawed and heated through. This method may take longer, but it's a convenient option if you have planned ahead.
For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the soup while reheating. This will help to refresh the flavor and consistency of the soup, especially if it has thickened during storage.
To enhance the flavor of the reheated soup, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving. These toppings will brighten up the flavors and make the leftover soup taste as delicious as when it was first prepared.
Interesting Trivia About Tomato Basil Soup
A random fact about this recipe is that using San Marzano tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor of the soup. These tomatoes are known for their sweet taste, low acidity, and fewer seeds, making them a preferred choice for many Italian dishes.
Budget-Friendly: Making Tomato Basil Soup at Home
The instant pot tomato basil soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using basic ingredients like celery, carrots, and onions, along with pantry staples such as chicken broth and milk, keeps costs low. Specialty items like San Marzano tomatoes and pecorino romano cheese add a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Tomato Basil Soup Recipe Healthy?
The instant pot tomato basil soup recipe is a relatively healthy choice, as it incorporates a variety of nutritious ingredients such as celery, carrots, onions, and tomatoes. These vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of whole plum tomatoes, particularly San Marzano variety, adds a rich flavor and a good amount of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. The inclusion of fresh herbs like thyme and basil not only enhances the taste but also offers additional health benefits.
However, there are a few aspects of the recipe that could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a whole grain alternative, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour, to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.
- Opt for a lower-fat milk option, such as 1% or skim milk, to reduce the overall fat content of the soup. Alternatively, you could use a plant-based milk, like unsweetened almond milk, for a dairy-free option.
- Reduce the amount of added cheese or choose a lower-fat variety to decrease the saturated fat content. You can also omit the cheese altogether and allow individuals to add it as a topping according to their preferences.
- Consider using a low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth to control the sodium levels in the soup. You can always adjust the seasoning with herbs and spices to maintain a flavorful profile.
- To boost the nutritional value further, you could add more vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or kale, which would provide additional vitamins, minerals, and fiber without significantly altering the taste of the soup.
Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
This Instant Pot tomato basil soup recipe is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables and rich cheeses, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. The use of San Marzano tomatoes adds a depth of sweetness, while the fresh thyme and basil infuse the soup with aromatic herbs. The combination of parmesan and pecorino romano cheeses provides a creamy texture and a savory finish. Cooking under high pressure ensures the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully. A quick blend results in a smooth, velvety soup that's perfect for any season. Adjusting salt and pepper to taste allows for a personalized touch.
Enhance Your Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Soup Recipes to Try
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Tomato Basil Soup
Why trust this Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup Recipe:
This instant pot tomato basil soup recipe is a must-try for several reasons. The combination of fresh vegetables and San Marzano tomatoes ensures a rich, authentic flavor. Cooking under high pressure in the Instant Pot locks in nutrients and enhances the taste. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and basil elevates the soup, while the parmesan rind adds a depth of umami. Finally, blending the soup to a smooth consistency and finishing with pecorino romano guarantees a creamy, satisfying bowl every time.
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