Monday, May 11, 2009

Wishing-It-Was-Summer Tomato Soup

An easy soup made from tomatoes frozen last summer--plus the first basil of the season (thinnings from my seedlings). Oh, how I love basil! I had a mix of fairly sweet heirloom tomatoes remaining in the freezer. If you use tangier ones, you may need to adjust the seasonings a little.

If you don't have basil thinnings like I do, this would also be good with some early mint or cilantro from the farmers market.

4 quart bags frozen tomatoes, skins removed
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 Tbsp minced fresh basil

If you plan ahead sufficiently, let the tomatoes thaw in a colander in the sink (over a bowl if you want to catch the tomato-y water for another use). Otherwise, thaw in the microwave, then drain off extra water.

Heat a little olive oil in a soup pot. Add the garlic and onion and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down. Use an immersion blender (or food processor) to puree the soup. Stir in salt, pepper, cream, and basil.

Serve hot.

Serves 4-6.

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