Faux-Fresh Tomato Soup

Submitted by Julie Bs Hive

"From the Sunset Low-Fat Cookbook, recipe is based on canned tomato purée. Top off with Herbed Cheese Croutons (recipe included). The deglazing (3 times) makes this one a bit time-consuming but gives the soup its good flavor. I prefer using the dried basil over the fresh in this recipe and a little chunkier than the usual smooth tomato soup."

 

• Ready In: 55mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 226.79 g French baguettes
• 29.58 ml parmesan cheese or 29.58 ml romano cheese
• 4.92 ml dry basil
• 1.23 ml coarse salt
• 4.92 ml olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1182.95 ml low sodium chicken broth
• 425.24 g can tomato puree
• 44.37 ml dry basil or 78.78 ml cups chopped fresh basil
• 3.69 ml sugar
• 2.46 ml white pepper

directions

1. PREPARE CROUTONS AND SET ASIDE:

2. Slice 1 small French bread baguette (8 oz) crosswise into 1/4-in slices. Sprinkle slices with grated cheese then sprinkle lightly with dry basil and coarse salt. Place bread slices in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake in a 300° oven until toasted and golden brown (about 20 minutes). Serve croutons warm or at room temperature.

3. MAKE SOUP:

4. In a 3-4 quart pan, combine oil, onion, carrot, and 1 cup of the the chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat; boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and vegetables begin to brown (about 10 minutes). To deglaze, add 3 tbsp water and stir to scrape browned bit free. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to brown again. Repeat deglazing and browning steps 2 more times, using 3 tbsp water each time; vegetable mixture should be golden brown.
5. Add remaining 4 cups chicken broth. Stir to scrape browned bits free. Stir in tomato purée, basil, sugar, and white pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat; then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until vegetables are very tender to bite (about 20 min).
6. Whirl mixture, a portion at a time, in a food processor or blender until smoothly puréed. Return to pan; bring to a simmer over medium heat.
7. To serve, ladle into bowls and top each serving with 2 croutons. Pass remaining croutons.

Reviews

[Elmotoo]

Yeap, this is how I like my tomato soup! Thi was a lovely supper w/grilled cheese sandwiches. I used my immersion blender. Delicious! made for Aussie Swap 12/09. Thank you!