Roasted Tomato and Fennel Soup

DIRECTIONS

• Core tomatoes and cut in half lengthwise; arrange, cut side up, on foil lined rimmed baking sheet.
• In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the oil, garlic and half each of the salt and pepper; brush over tomatoes.
• Bake in 350°F oven until softened and shriveled and bottoms are browned, about 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, trim fronds from fennel bulb and reserve; cut off stalks and discard.
• Cut fennel in half lengthwise.
• Trim out and discard core; cut fennel into 1/2 inch cubes.
• In large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil over medium heat; cook fennel, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 8 minutes.
• Add 1 1/2 cups water; reduce heat, cover and simmer until very tender, about 20 minutes.
• Pour into bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil into pan; cook onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and stock; bring to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Transfer tomato mixture to blender or food processor; puree until smooth.
• Return to pan.
• Stir in cooked fennel, basil and remaining salt and pepper.
• (Make ahead: let cool and refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 days.) Heat until steaming, about 5 minutes.
• In bowl, whisk vinegar with remaining oil.
• Ladle soup into bowls; garnish with drizzle of vinegar mixture.
• Arrange reserved fronds over top.