Tomato Vodka Soup

In '300 Sensational Soups' by Carla Snyder and Meredith Deeds

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2  onions, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 2  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes, with juice
• 4  cups chicken broth or 4  cups vegetable broth
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1  cup  whipping cream
• 1⁄4 cup vodka
• 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice
•  garlic-flavored croutons (preferably homemade)

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, heat oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; saute until softened, about 6 minutes.
3. Add in tomato paste and saute until paste turns a rusty brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add in tomatoes with juice, stock, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
5. Decrease heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
6. Using an immersion blender, or in a food processor or blender, in batches, puree soup until smooth.
7. Return to the pot, if necessary, and reheat over medium heat until steaming.
8. Stir in cream, vodka, and lemon juice.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
10. Ladle into heated soup bowls and garnish with croutons.