Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup
This Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup is a quick and easy meal to prepare any night of the week! It is also Whole 30 and Paleo compliant for health-conscious families.
This Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup is a quick and easy meal to prepare any night of the week! It is also Whole 30 and Paleo compliant for health-conscious families.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup grated carrots about 3 medium sized
- 6 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 28 ounce can crushed, fire-roasted tomatoes {i used muir g
- 1 bay leaf split in half
- pinch cayenne {1/16th teaspoon} optional
- Carbohydrate 31.2014012686956 g
- Cholesterol 14.400000012173 mg
- Fat 7.68486625559417 g
- Fiber 1.57841246606344 g
- Protein 14.2836925107717 g
- Saturated Fat 1.81799250140127 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (768g)
- Sodium 722.775500577538 mg
- Sugar 29.6229888026321 g
- Trans Fat 0.518603875360689 g
- Calories 249 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn on your Instant Pot and press the “Saute” button.
- When the inner pot is HOT, add the oil.
- Add the carrots and onion, and cook until they are tender.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste, cook and stir until hot and aromatic.
- Add the chicken stock, tomatoes, basil, cayenne, and bay leaf.
- Press the “Cancel” button.
- Place the lid on the pressure cooker and twist to lock.
- Double check to make sure the venting knob is in the “Sealing” position.
- Press the “Manual” button, High Pressure, and use the + and – buttons to adjust the time to 5 minutes.
- When the pot beeps allow the pressure to release Naturally, it will take about 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and then remove the bay leaf.
- Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
- Adjust seasonings, then ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped basil.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, healthy, and delicious meals that the whole family enjoys is a constant quest. That’s why my Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup has become a weeknight staple. It's incredibly versatile, adaptable to what I have on hand, and always a crowd-pleaser.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It comes together in under 30 minutes, from start to finish, and requires minimal cleanup – a major win in my book! I often double the recipe, making enough for leftovers for lunch the next day. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, actually ask for this soup. That right there speaks volumes about its deliciousness!
Beyond the Convenience:
This soup isn't just a time-saver; it's a nutritional powerhouse. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes and carrots, it's a light yet satisfying meal. The fresh basil adds a burst of flavor, and the subtle kick of cayenne (optional, of course) adds a touch of warmth without overpowering the delicate tomato taste. I often adapt the recipe based on what’s in season. In the summer, I use fresh tomatoes from the farmer’s market. In the winter, I rely on canned tomatoes, which work just as well.
The versatility of this recipe is what keeps it fresh and exciting. One day I might add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor. Another day, I’ll add some cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal. I've even experimented with adding different vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, to add extra color and nutrients. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Success:
While the recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect soup every time:
- Don’t skip the saute step: Sautéing the onions and carrots before adding the other ingredients brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of basil, cayenne, or salt to your preference. A little goes a long way!
- Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture: An immersion blender is ideal for pureeing the soup directly in the Instant Pot, saving you the hassle of transferring it to a regular blender.
- Garnish generously: Fresh basil is a must-have for garnish, but you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
This Instant Pot Tomato Basil Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple, delicious food that nourishes both body and soul. It's a meal that I can confidently serve to my family, knowing it's both healthy and satisfying. It's a constant reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, taking a few minutes to prepare a wholesome meal is an act of self-care and a way to connect with loved ones around a shared table.
I encourage you to try this recipe and adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs. It's a recipe that will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to your family’s culinary repertoire.
