Tomato Rice Soup

Craving something warm and comforting that takes almost zero effort? This tomato rice soup is about to become your new weeknight hero. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a rich, satisfying soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

The magic happens when the rice slowly cooks in the tomato broth, releasing its starches to create a naturally creamy texture without any dairy. It’s the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a big bowl of comfort.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups water
• ½ cup basmati rice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Steps

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 7-8 minutes until translucent and slightly golden. The onions should be soft but not browned – this creates the flavor base.
2. Reduce heat to low and add crushed tomatoes, water, and salt. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. You’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges first, then larger bubbles in the center.
3. Add the rice and stir well to prevent clumping. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until rice begins to soften. If using brown rice, increase cooking time to 30-35 minutes. The rice should be slightly al dente at this stage.
4. Remove pot from heat while keeping it covered for another 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking in the residual heat without becoming mushy. Test a grain of rice – it should be tender but still hold its shape.

Smart Swaps

• Use brown rice for extra fiber (adjust cooking time as noted)
• Swap water for vegetable broth for deeper flavor
• Add 1 cup diced carrots with onions for extra vegetables

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace white rice with ½ cup cauliflower rice (reduces carbs by 30g per serving)
• Add 1 cup diced celery for bulk without carbs
• Serve in 1 cup portions paired with protein to slow glucose response
• Consider adding 2 tbsp chia seeds for fiber and omega-3s

Pro Tips

• Toast rice in olive oil before adding liquid for nuttier flavor
• Don’t lift lid while cooking – steam is crucial for proper rice texture
• Let soup rest 5-10 minutes before serving to thicken naturally