On those cold nights when you want to curl up in front of the fire with something warm, soothing and, satisfying, this sumptuous tomato soup is the dish for you. Made from all fresh ingredients, this soup is not only delicious, but it is good for you too! This night, I paired it with a childhood favorite, a simple grilled cheese sandwich. Tomatoes and cheese are a great combination, and this, is a true... feel good meal!
Do not let the cook time deter you from making this awesome soup. The majority of the cooking, is the time it takes to roast the tomatoes, and then simmer the soup. It is not labor intensive and it doesn't require constant attention.
Prep Time 20 min. Cook Time: 3+ hours Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
10 tomatoes
4 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. fresh basil, chopped fine, (dried can be substituted) Add more or less for your personal taste.
1/2 Tbs. fresh thyme, chopped fine (dried can be substituted)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 leeks, white and light green portions, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
5-6 cups vegetable stock, plus more as needed
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Cut the tomatoes in half, crosswise and place in a large bowl.
- Add 2 Tbs. of olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat.
- Place the tomatoes, cut side up, on 2 baking sheets and place into the oven.
- Roast until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized (about 2 hours), rotating the pans 180 degrees after 1 hour.
- Remove from oven when done.
- Now in a in a heavy soup pot, over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil.
- Add the onion, celery and leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add the roasted tomatoes, any juices, garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
- Add the stock, basil and the thyme, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes more.
- Working in batches, puree the soup in a blender until smooth.
- Adjust the consistency as needed with more stock and season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with fresh basil, sour cream or seasoned croutons, and serve immediately.
Now Enjoy!
© 2013 Jayne's Crazy Kitchen
