Tuna and Tomato Soup (Print)

Quick Italian-inspired soup with tuna, tomatoes, and herbs. Ready in 25 minutes.

# Components:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 can (5 oz) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium carrot, diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
06 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
07 - 2 cups vegetable broth
08 - 1 tbsp tomato paste

→ Herbs & Seasonings

09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried basil
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Pantry

13 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Garnish

14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil, optional
15 - Crusty bread, optional

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
03 - Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine thoroughly.
04 - Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
05 - Add flaked tuna and simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through completely.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with crusty bread if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd believe, making weeknight dinners feel less like a scramble and more like an actual accomplishment.
  • The flavors build naturally without any fussy technique, so you get restaurant-quality taste from humble pantry staples.
02 -
  • Don't skip the step of cooking the tomato paste in oil—it's the difference between a soup that tastes flat and one that tastes like it has real backbone and soul.
  • The vegetables need those first five minutes to truly soften; rushing this step means you'll end up with crunchy pieces that feel unfinished rather than intentional.
03 -
  • Keep good quality tuna on hand—it's a pantry workhorse that transforms everyday ingredients into something that tastes thoughtful and deliberate.
  • If you have fresh basil on hand, tear it in gently at the very end rather than using dried; the difference in brightness is honestly shocking.
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