Cooking Time & Servings

Mississippi Delta Tomato Basil Soup - Standard Recipe

You Will Need

Here's What You Do

  1. In a 3 or 4-quart non-aluminum pot*, bring broth to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and stir in soup mix. Return to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato puree and brown sugar.
  4. Return to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat and slowly stir in the cream.
  6. Continue cooking, uncovered on low for 5 minutes and serve.

*Aluminum reacts with the acid in tomatoes and may cause a metallic taste.

Got leftovers? Learn how to cool, store, and reheat soup safely in our guide to soup storage and food safety.

Cooking & Nutrition Tips

Use the tips below to customize nutrition, boost flavor, or stretch the soup to fit your needs.

Reducing Sodium?

All of our mixes contain no added salt, only what occurs naturally in the ingredients. To further reduce sodium, use a low-sodium broth, bone broth, or stock. Organic broths often contain less sodium, and homemade broth/stock gives you the most control.

Boosting Protein?

Try blending in cottage cheese or white beans for creaminess, using bone broth instead of veggie stock, or adding cooked chicken, lentils, or nutritional yeast.

Cutting Calories/Fat?

  • Swap low-fat buttermilk for cream
  • Top with avocado or Greek yogurt instead of cheese

More Veggies?

  • Add 1½ cups chopped carrots or cauliflower with the soup mix
  • Roast or sauté additional vegetables like carrots, red bell peppers, zucchini, or butternut squash to enhance sweetness and volume.
  • Use an immersion blender or mash vegetables for a naturally creamy texture

Interested in whole grains or extra fiber?

  • Stir in 1 cup quick oats during the final 10 minutes
  • Blend slightly for a thick, comforting texture

Looking for Mediterranean-Inspired additions?

  • Add ¾ lb shrimp or firm white fish during the final 5 minutes
  • Top with Greek yogurt or sliced avocado instead of cheese

Serving and Garnish Ideas

Add fresh toppings like chiffonade basil, grated Parmesan, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or crunchy garlic croutons. For a richer experience, add heavy cream or pesto, while texture can be enhanced with toasted nuts or bacon bits. Pair with classics like grilled cheese, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.

Cooking Methods

Slow Cooker

We do not recommend using a slow cooker due to the short cooking time on the stovetop.

Pressure Cooker

We do not recommend using a pressure cooker due to the short cooking time on the stovetop.

Dietary Adaptations

These mixes are flexible by design. Use the adaptations below to meet your dietary needs or cooking preferences.

Vegan

A naturally vegetarian soup, just use vegetable broth. We recommend a non-aluminum cooking pot because aluminum reacts with the acid in tomatoes and may cause a metallic taste.

You Will Also Need:

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (32 oz.)
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (29 oz.) with basil and herbs
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 can garbanzo beans, drained (14 oz.)

Here’s What You Do:

  1. In a 3 or 4-quart non-aluminum pot, bring broth to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and stir in soup mix. Return to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Add tomatoes, brown sugar.
  4. Return to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in garbanzo beans and continue on low heat for 10 minutes. and serve!

* This soup will thicken. May need additional 2 cups of broth when reheating.
* For a creamier version add 1 cup cream or non-dairy cream substitute for the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Vegetarian

This soup is vegetarian as prepared, with no changes required.

Gluten Free

This soup is naturally gluten free when prepared as directed. No special substitutions are needed.

Dairy Free

Use lower-fat dairy, almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or preferred dairy replacement.

Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up? A few simple tweaks can make this recipe your own.

Shrimp & Feta Finish:
When adding the cream, stir in ¾ lb fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined) and simmer gently for about 5 minutes. Garnish each bowl with crumbled feta, blue cheese, or parmesan.

Italian Sausage Upgrade:
Brown ½–1 lb Italian sausage and add it with the broth in the first step for a heartier, richer soup.

Creamy Tomato Rice Soup:
Stir uncooked rice and extra water directly into the soup while it simmers for a thicker, comforting tomato rice soup.

Smoky Sausage & Veggie Twist:
Add ¾ lb diced smoked sausage, plus chopped celery or frozen peas and carrots, and simmer longer for a fuller, stew-like soup.

Herb & Spice Boost:
Enhance flavor with fresh basil, cayenne pepper, or a star anise pod (remove before serving).

Lighter Cream Option:
Substitute half-and-half, soymilk, or lactose-free milk for heavy cream. For extra thickness, whisk 2 Tbsp cornstarch into the milk before adding.

Chicken & Pasta Add-In:
Add shredded chicken and a handful of macaroni to turn the soup into a more filling meal.

Inspired by our customers. Thanks to Jo Anna, yukon25, Adley W., Kerri, S. Smith, Marie, Melodee, Anne, Cheryl C., and Odra H. for sharing their ideas.

Have a favorite twist of your own? Send us an email or leave a review on the product page.