Easy Farmstand Fresh Cream of Tomato Soup

I had some major dental work done a while back and since I couldn’t eat solid food for a while, Hubby bought me some tomato soup at the supermarket. Yes, it tasted good, but I was rather shocked to see just how many preservatives etc there were in it.

I ate the stuff Hubby bought because I had a face swollen up like a football and pain relief/bed were considerably greater priority’s than food, but now that I think about it (and with the next stage in my dental implant treatment pending) I’m looking to something a lot more organic, and less chemically complicated to help me during my next recovery period.
I’d like to share the Recipezaar recipe that earned 5 stars from me when I made it.  I’ve posted  it here with the kind permission of Zaar member ” Muffin Goddess” and the recipe number is Recipe #170483. (Serves 4)

If you make it, I’m sure she would appreciate a review, here’s the link:

http://www.recipezaar.com/Easy-Farmstand-Fresh-Cream-of-Tomato-Soup-170483

(photograph © Kiwidutch)

Ingredients:

2 cups chicken broth
4 cups ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (approx. 5 large tomatoes)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup coarsely chopped celery (I usually use about 3 large ribs)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2-1 cup light cream
1 tablespoon fresh basil or fresh dill, chopped (optional)
salt, to taste
fresh ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients except the cream and basil or dill (if using) in a large saucepan.
2. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes, or until veggies are soft.
3. Using an immersion blender, puree the veggie mixture to your preferred smoothness (I like to have some tomato chunks in it, so I leave it a little chunky. If I accidentally over-puree it, I’ll cheat and add a small can of diced tomatoes)
4. Add light cream (start with 1/2 cup and add more to taste — amount will depend on flavor of the tomatoes). Heat soup gently over low heat.
5. Before serving, stir in fresh herbs (if using), and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve soup hot or chilled, whichever you prefer (hot is my preference)

If you can use tomatoes on the vine then I highly recommend it because the great taste difference to other tomatoes is immense. In little less than an hour you could have the best tomato soup in the neighbourhood…. or the province!