Creamy Tomato-Vodka Soup

dicentra's Note:

Everyday with Rachael Ray. This is made in a crock pot! YUM.

• Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 6 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 onions , sliced
• 2 -3 small garlic cloves , smashed and peeled
• 1 (32 ounce) container vegetable broth (4 cups)
• 2 (28 ounce) cans Italian plum tomatoes , drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• ¼ cup vodka
• 6 sprigs flat leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups half-and-half

Directions:

1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 30 seconds.
2. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, vodka, parsley, salt and sugar to the slow cooker; add the sautéed onions and garlic.
3. Cover and cook on high heat to stew the tomatoes, 5 hours. Discard the parsley sprigs.
4. Using an immersion blender or a food processor, puree the soup in batches (be careful—the liquid is hot).
5. Stir in the half-and-half. Cook in the covered slow cooker on low heat until heated through, 20 to 30 minutes.