Janet's Hearty Tomato Soup

There’s nothing like rich, deeply coloured soup to warm you, inside and out. I put together this simple recipe after coming home from a funeral on a cold February day. After a chilly and emotional day, the vibrant colour, rich tomato flavour and whisper of cloves swirled together to feel like a big cozy hug. Make this recipe any time you need a little warmth in a bowl.

Red%2Bsoup.jpg

The beauty of this soup is that it comes together quickly and you probably have all the ingredients on hand. Let your kids help and ask them to come up with ideas for toppings to sprinkle on top - I’ve suggested chopped herbs, but croutons, cooked rice, quinoa or pasta would work great too - anything goes!

Enjoy it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich or warm, crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 1 clove garlic, chopped fine

  • 1 stalk celery, chopped

  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced thinly

  • 1 (28oz) 796ml can whole plum tomatoes

  • 1 (28oz) 796ml can crushed plum tomatoes

  • 3 cups chicken stock (or water or vegetable stock)

  • 1/2 cup cooked rice (or any other cooked grain you have on hand)

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey if you prefer)

  • pinch of ground cloves

  • dash of hot sauce

  • 1/2- 1 cup milk, cream or coconut milk (optional)

Method:

Heat the oil on medium heat in a medium-sized, heavy saucepan,. Add the onion, carrot and celery and sauté for a few minutes, until softened.  

Add the garlic, basil and cloves and sauté for about 1 minute; until fragrant.

Add tomatoes, stock, rice and sugar and bring to the boil.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes (longer, if you have the time).

Leave the soup as is if you like it chunky or puree it to your desired consistency using a hand blender or regular blender –suit yourself!

 If it appeals to you, add a bit of milk, cream or coconut milk if you want it to be smoother. Use your taste and senses to guide you :)

Add a dash of hot sauce to taste.

Season with fresh ground pepper and top each serving with chopped fresh parsley or other herbs.


Janet NezonComment