Dutch Oven 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.

TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• In a Dutch oven over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions and celery and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, red peppers, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and bay leaf. Stir to combine and sprinkle with the flour. Cook until the flour starts to brown, about 3 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the vegetable stock, white wine and reserved juice from the canned tomatoes in a saucepan and bring up to a simmer. Slowly pour the hot liquid into the vegetable mixture, stirring the entire time. Cover and cook on low for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
• Using a hand mixer or blender, blend the soup until smooth and return it to low heat in the Dutch oven. Let the mixture reduce by one-quarter, 7 to 10 minutes, and then stir in the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

CREAMY TOMATO SOUP WITH HERBS

Steps:

• Heat oil in 4 1/2 qt Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
• Peel and chop onion and add to pot, stir and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add garlic, stir and cook 30 seconds.
• Add tomatoes with juice and tomato sauce.
• Raise the heat to high and bring soup to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low.
• Stir in milk and Parmesan cheese; do NOT boil the soup after the milk has been added.
• Stir and heat for 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve at once, garnished w/ croutons if desired.
• NOTE: If you cannot find the DelMonte brand of tomatoes seasoned with basil, garlic, and oregano, use plain diced tomatoes with 1/2 teaspoon each of basil and oregano.