Bright Tomato Soup Food

THE BEST EVER TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• In a 6-quart stockpot or Dutch oven, heat oil, butter and pepper flakes over medium heat until butter is melted. Add carrots and onion; cook, uncovered, over medium heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and dried basil; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, to let flavors blend, 20-25 minutes. , Remove pan from heat. Using a blender, puree soup in batches until smooth. If desired, slowly stir in heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate; return to stove to heat through. Top servings with fresh basil if desired.

COLD TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Put tomatoes and garlic in a non-reactive bowl and sprinkle with salt. Add 4 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons vinegar, the black pepper and cayenne. Mix well and leave to macerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour.
• Pulse tomatoes in a food processor or blender until just crushed. Transfer to a strainer or food mill to remove skins and seeds, pressing well to obtain all the juices. You should have about 5 cups. Add enough ice water to yield 6 cups. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning. Chill on a bowl of ice for 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to several hours.
• Make the pepper relish about 30 minutes before serving: Put diced bell peppers and onions in a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar, mix well and set aside.
• To serve, rub each toast lightly with garlic. Top toasts with thick slices of avocado and season with salt and pepper. Place an avocado toast in each bowl and ladle in about 1 cup of chilled soup per serving. Garnish with a generous spoonful of pepper relish and a sprinkling of parsley and chives.

GARDEN FRESH TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• In a stockpot, over medium heat, combine the tomatoes, onion, cloves and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, and gently boil for about 20 minutes to blend all of the flavors. Remove from heat and run the mixture through a food mill into a large bowl, or pan. Discard any stuff left over in the food mill.
• In the now empty stockpot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking until the roux is a medium brown. Gradually whisk in a bit of the tomato mixture, so that no lumps form, then stir in the rest. Season with sugar and salt, and adjust to taste.

BRIGHT TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Saute onions in butter until transparent.
• Add tomato paste, sugar, 4 cans (a total of 58 oz.) broth and all seasonings.
• Chop tomatoes in food processor (don't pulverize) and add all together.
• Simmer for 40 minutes before serving with crusty French bread or sourdough rolls.

FRESH TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• In a large saucepan heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the onion is tender. Add flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a light boil, stirring until thickened. Add tomatoes, thyme, and basil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in additional chicken stock if desired. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
• Transfer soup in batches to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Pour soup into a large saucepan and season with kosher salt and white pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat until ready to serve.
• Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with lemon zest and drizzle with olive oil.
• Provided by Chef Jim Coleman