Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, very finely chopped or grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian option)
Seasonings & Rice
- ½ tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup white rice, rinsed and drained
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Finely chopped fresh basil (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, warm 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to deepen its flavor.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 3 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Season the soup: Add ½ tablespoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme to the pot. Mix thoroughly.
- Incorporate rice: Rinse and drain ½ cup white rice and add it to the soup mixture, stirring well.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the entire soup to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it gently simmer until the rice is tender, approximately 15 to 18 minutes.
- Finish with Parmesan: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and add additional salt and pepper if necessary. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil.
- Storing leftovers: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth; for added protein, use chicken broth.
- Make sure to rinse the rice to remove excess starch and prevent the soup from becoming too thick or gummy.
- Fresh basil garnish adds bright, fresh flavor but is optional.
- If the soup thickens too much upon standing, thin with additional broth or water when reheating.
- Leftovers freeze well and make for convenient future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian