Classic Tomato Soup From Fine Cooking Issue 91 March 2008 Food

CLASSIC TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• In a large nonreactive pot (see note), heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-low heat. When the butter is melted, add the onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Do not brown; reduce heat if necessary. Add the garlic and cook for a few minutes more, stirring to be sure garlic does not burn. Add the flour and continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes more.
• Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, sugar, thyme, 1¼ teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat while stirring to make sure that the flour is not sticking to the bottom or sides of the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 40 minutes.
• Using a hand-held immersion blender, purée the soup until very smooth. (Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and purée in batches in a blender. Be sure to crack the lid or remove the center cap to allow steam to escape.) Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, croutons, and Parmigiano-Reggiano, if desired. (Nutritional information below does not include optional garnishes.)
• Note: A nonreactive pot is made of a material that will not negatively react with acids. Glass, stainless steel or enameled pots are all safe to use. Nonstick pots are also okay but be sure there are no scratches in the non-stick coating.
• Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost the soup in the refrigerator for 12 hours and then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat until hot.

CLASSIC TOMATO SOUP FROM FINE COOKING ISSUE #91 MARCH 2008

Steps:

• In a non-reactive 5- to 6-quart stock pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil and butter over medium-low heat to melt the butter. Add the onion and garlic, stirring periodically until translucent and soft. Take care not to brown them (which is what I accidentally did). Stir in the flour until the onion and garlic are coated. Pour in the broth, puréed tomatoes, sugar, thyme, and about 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat while stirring to prevent any sticking on the bottom of the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, covered for 40 minutes. Remove the thyme sprig and let the soup cool a little before puréeing it in a blender or a food processor. Rinse the pot (or do like I did and just grab another one) and pour in the soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper and reheat if it has cooled too much. Serve warm, garnished with herbs.

TOMATO-PARMESAN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large wide pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender and lightly browned in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until the mixture is well coated, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, parmesan rind, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring.
• Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a steady simmer and cook until the soup is slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes; discard the bay leaves and Parmesan rind. Blend the soup in the pot with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the soup among bowls. Top with basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

CLASSIC TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Melt butter over medium heat in a 5 quart saucepan or Dutch oven.
• Add oil and onion, salt and pepper.
• Cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in flour and tomato paste, and cook 1 minute.
• Add thyme, broth, and tomatoes (break up tomatoes).
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Remove thyme sprigs.
• Puree soup using an immersion blender, or in batches in a conventional blender. Only puree about 1/2 the soup so some chunks remain.
• Season with salt and pepper before serving.