Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup


NO SOONER HAD I SAID I was tired of hearty soups and stews, than I went into the kitchen to cook--surprise--soup. In my defense, I did say, hearty soup. I would not call this soup hearty but it is definitely rich and flavorful.

We ate it for supper with grilled cheese sandwiches and a spinach salad. The next day, I enjoyed the leftover soup with saltine crackers.

Homemade Cream of Tomato Soup
4 slices bacon, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 cups water or soup stock
1 cup cream, half and half, or milk
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a heavy soup pot, over medium heat, slowly cook the bacon, onions, and carrots, stirring often until very tender and fragrant. Take time with this step, up to thirty minutes, as this is the flavor base for the soup.  Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste, along with some water or soup stock. Simmer for 10 to 20 minutes.Taste and add a teaspoon of honey if the soup seems too acidic. Add cream or milk and heat through. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. You may want to add some fresh basil and/or parsley.

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If you are interested in this type of thing, the spoon pictured in the soup is from the silverware I grew up eating with. It is an Art Deco silver plate pattern from 1939 called, Adoration.



9 comments:

  1. This soup could not be more perfect in the timing of it, I have a bag of ends and pieces of fresh tomatoes in the freezer, soon it will be time to simmer and sieve, so I can make some soup.

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    1. Melynda, yum. . .tomato soup made with fresh tomatoes. Maybe your chef husband will make some for you. Thank you for your comment.

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  2. It doesn't get much better than grilled cheese + tomato soup and your version looks awesome! So creamy and I love that you added onion and carrots. The bowl and the spoon are so pretty too, and how cool that it's been in your family for so long!

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    1. Allie, the carrots add some sweetness to the soup, not to mention the extra nutrition. You are right, tomato soup and grilled cheese are great together. Thank you for your comment.

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  3. Why have I never added bacon to my cream of tomato soup? Great idea, and I'm so going to steal it! This look terrific. And interesting note about the spoon. Fun post -- thanks.

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    1. John, bacon helps almost anything, doesn't it? Enjoy using it in your next tomato soup. And thank you for your comment.

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  5. Hi Rocquie, I had an amazing tomato soup at a new restaurant near us the other day. I've been cogitating over the soup and yours was exactly what I had in mind. Plus some fresh basil, some shaved Parmesan, and maybe some homemade croutons. And bacon!

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    1. Rosie, I can't wait to hear, read, and see your tomato soup. I know you will add your own Rosiness to it. Thank you.

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