Mitahara – by Mansi Desai

Instant Pot version of the Tomato Soup with sautéed garlic, onion, carrot, celery, and tomatoes — faster, just as flavorful, and with minimal cleanup! There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup — especially one that comes together quickly in the Instant Pot. This version is built on a classic foundation of sautéed garlic, onion, carrot, celery, and fresh or canned tomatoes, creating a rich, velvety soup with deep, savory flavor.

Perfect for cozy evenings, busy weeknights, or as a meal-prep staple — this recipe is simple, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Let’s get into it!

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🍅 Instant Pot Tomato Soup

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6–8 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth or Water is fine as well
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp sugar (optional)
• ½ tsp dried basil (or a few fresh basil leaves)
• Optional: 1 tsp cream (for a creamy finish)

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⚙️ How to Make Tomato Soup in the Instant Pot

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   • Press Sauté on the Instant Pot and wait until it reads HOT.
   • Add olive oil, then sauté the garlic, onion, carrots, and celery for about 5–7 minutes, until softened.
   • Stir frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.
2. Add tomatoes and seasonings
   • Add the chopped tomatoes and water or broth.
   • Add the chopped coriander stems
   • Stir in salt and pepper.
3. Pressure cook
   • Cancel the Sauté mode.
   • Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on Manual (Pressure Cook) – High Pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Natural release
   • Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release the rest.
5. Blend
   • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer in batches to a countertop blender.
   • Blend until smooth or your desired consistency.
6. Finish and serve
   • Optional: In a sauté pan you can strain the blended soup and add sugar
   • Bring in to a boil
   • Optional: Stir in cream or milk for added richness.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
   • Serve hot, with toppings like fresh basil, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil.

🍞 How to Serve

Serve this tomato soup piping hot, paired with:

• A classic grilled cheese sandwich
• Crusty sourdough or garlic bread
• A sprinkle of parmesan or swirl of pesto
• Crunchy homemade croutons

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🥄 Tips:

• Want a smoky kick? Add smoked paprika or a touch of chipotle powder before pressure cooking.
• Use San Marzano tomatoes for deeper flavor if using canned.
• Add a parmesan rind before pressure cooking for extra umami (remove before blending).