Name: Instant Pot Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 T. extra virgin olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 1 large stalk celery, chopped; 1 large carrot, chopped; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped; 1 c. chicken or vegetable stock, preferably organic*; 3 lbs. fresh tomatoes, chopped; 1 bay leaf; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; ½ c. fresh basil leaves, julienned (+ extra for garnish); *Add additional chicken or vegetable stock to achieve the desired consistency.

Indulge in the essence of summer with our Instant Pot Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Soup. This vibrant, flavorful soup captures the bright taste of ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs, all brought together with the convenience of your Instant Pot.

Perfect for days when you crave a comforting bowl of homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe transforms fresh ingredients into a delicious meal in just minutes. Whether you use tomatoes from your own garden or the farmer’s market, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation thanks to the Instant Pot
Uses fresh, wholesome ingredients for maximum flavor
Customizable consistency to suit your preference
Perfect way to use up an abundance of garden tomatoes
Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep

What is Instant Pot Cooking?

Instant Pot cooking utilizes a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. It allows for quick and efficient cooking by using pressure to raise the boiling point of water, which cooks food faster while retaining flavors and nutrients.

This method is perfect for soups like our Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Soup, as it infuses the broth with rich flavors in a fraction of the time of traditional stovetop cooking.

Ingredients

Extra virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing, adding a rich, fruity flavor to the base of the soup.
Yellow onion: 1 small, chopped onion provides a sweet, aromatic foundation.
Celery: 1 large stalk, chopped, adds a savory depth to the soup.
Carrot: 1 large, chopped carrot contributes sweetness and a lovely orange hue.
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, peeled and chopped, for a pungent, aromatic kick.
Chicken or vegetable stock: 1 cup forms the liquid base of the soup. Choose organic for the best flavor.
Fresh tomatoes: 3 pounds, chopped, are the star of this soup, providing fresh, tangy flavor.
Bay leaf: 1 leaf infuses a subtle, herbal flavor throughout the soup.
Fresh thyme: 4 sprigs add an earthy, slightly minty flavor.
Fresh rosemary: 2 sprigs contribute a piney aroma and flavor.
Fresh basil leaves: 1/2 cup, julienned, brings a sweet, peppery taste that’s characteristic of classic tomato basil soup.

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

Canned tomatoes: In a pinch, substitute fresh tomatoes with 2 28-oz cans of whole peeled tomatoes.
Dried herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried (1 teaspoon dried for each tablespoon of fresh).
Cream: For a creamier soup, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after blending.
Parmesan cheese: Grate some Parmesan into the soup for added depth of flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Add a pinch for some heat.

Instructions

Sauté onion, celery, and carrots in Instant Pot
Add garlic and sauté briefly
Deglaze pot with stock
Add tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary
Cook on Manual setting for 4 minutes
Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manual release
Stir in fresh basil leaves
Blend soup to desired consistency
Serve hot, garnished with additional basil

Recipe Tips

For a smoother soup, use a high-powered blender instead of an immersion blender
Adjust the amount of stock to achieve your preferred soup consistency
If using garden tomatoes, choose a mix of varieties for a more complex flavor
Don’t skip the natural release step – it allows the flavors to meld
Taste and adjust seasoning after blending, as the intensity of flavors can change

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Garden Fresh Tomato Basil Soup pairs wonderfully with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort food meal. It’s also delicious served with Homemade Garlic Bread or Parmesan Croutons sprinkled on top. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a Mixed Green Salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

This soup also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make this soup without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Simmer all ingredients except basil for about 30-35 minutes or until vegetables are tender, then proceed with blending and adding basil.

How can I make this soup vegan?

This soup is already vegan if you use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Can I use Roma tomatoes for this soup?

Absolutely! Roma tomatoes are great for soup as they have a high flesh-to-seed ratio. Any ripe, flavorful tomatoes will work well.

What if my soup is too thick?

If the soup is too thick for your liking, simply stir in additional stock until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe as long as the ingredients don’t exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. The cooking time remains the same, but it may take longer to come to pressure.

4 portions