Monday, November 10, 2008

Fill the Freezer—Cream of Tomato Soup

Cream of Tomato Soup
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There are so many tomato soup recipes out there, but this is my favorite because every time I've made it for people, they have always requested the recipe. It's a crowd-pleaser, can be made ahead and is festive for the holiday season.

It also contains a secret ingredient: allspice. Allspice is the dried fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant, but it has the flavors of some other spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves.

You can make this soup now, put it in canning jars, and freeze it. Once it's frozen, remove it from the jar and freeze in a freezer bag. This way you can use the canning jar for other uses.

Serve with baked Parmesan Crisps, Cheddar Shortbread or Goldfish! You can serve the soup in antique tea cups at Christmas or shot glasses for a cocktail party.

Recipe

8-10 servings

Adapted from The New Basics CookbookIngredients for Cream of Tomato Soup by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 onions, sliced
1 carrot, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) tomatoes
1 tablespoon pesto or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade
pinch of sugar
salt and pepper
4 cups chicken or turkey stock
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2 cups whipping cream

In a large, heavy stock pot, melt the butter. Add the onions, carrots, and garlic and cook for about 10 minutes. Then add the tomatoes, pesto or basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add the stock and allspice. Bring to a boil, then partially cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.

Purée the soup in a blender. (You can freeze the soup at this point.) When ready to serve, add the cream and warm. Season and serve.

Cream of Tomato Soup
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12 comments:

Veronica said...

Tomato soup has to be one of my favorites...allspice must give it a nice little spice-I'll have to try this one I would not think to add allspice with tomatoes.

Anonymous said...

This has a Christmasy look with the evergreen looking sprig on what looks like a patch of snow against the red backdrop. Gorgeous!I love the idea of freezing it and serving it in tea cups! A beautiful start to a meal in the Christmas season.

pam said...

Tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect lunch!

Anonymous said...

That looks so good. I just made some stock this weekend that I can use for this. Yum!

Anonymous said...

I made tomato soup from about 40 pounds of tomatoes that were given to me once; Even with that amount it did not last long, as it was a family favorite.

Maria said...

What a comforting soup. Always a classic!

Family First said...

Thanks for another wonderful recipe Shari! Just in time for Christmas!

Sharon said...

Great idea about freezing in canning jars and transferring to bags later. Looks delicious!

Anonymous said...

Hey! I just discovered your blog and I love it! I spent the last few hours (while at work - hee, hee) looking through the archives. I got a lot of inspiration from it. I can't wait to get home and get cooking.
ps. I loved the mention of Saskatoon berries! I'm from SK myself!

Anonymous said...

I am loving the new design. It's so bright and pretty! And really... tasty dough treats don't hurt either.

Shari said...

veronica - The allspice gives it a really nice flavor.

anonymous - It is a Christmas-y soup. Pair it with a cream of broccoli and you could have both colors of Christmas in one.

pam - That does sound perfect!

pinkstripes - Hope you make it!

erik - Using fresh tomatoes would be even better.

maria - You're right.

family first - Thanks!

sharon - I've done this with many soups, and it works great! I defrost it in a microwave save bowl and it's ready in minutes.

sarah - Thanks for the comment! I'm glad you found me and hope you visit often. Where in SK are you from and where are you now??

eb - Thanks to Jessica of Delicious Design Studios!!

Thanks, everyone!
~Shari

bee said...

thank you dear shari.