Fresh Tomato Soup

Name: Fresh Tomato Soup
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion, diced; 4 shallots, diced; 1 large carrot, peeled and minced; 1 stalk celery, minced (with leaves); 2 tablespoons fennel bulbs, minced; 4 garlic cloves, minced (or more to taste); 3 lbs tomatoes, diced with juices reserved; 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika; 1 tablespoon gin; kosher salt; 3 cups chicken broth or 3 cups vegetable broth; 12 cup cream (optional); fresh ground black pepper; 16 large basil leaves, sliced crosswise into thin ribbons, for garnish

18 ingredients

11 steps

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, diced
4 shallots, diced
1 large carrot, peeled and minced
1 stalk celery, minced (with leaves)
2 tablespoons fennel bulbs, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced (or more to taste)
3 lbs tomatoes, diced with juices reserved
2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon sweet Hungarian paprika
1 tablespoon gin
kosher salt
3 cups chicken broth or 3 cups vegetable broth
12 cup cream (optional)
fresh ground black pepper
16 large basil leaves, sliced crosswise into thin ribbons, for garnish

Directions

1

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2

Add the onion, shallots, carrot, celery and fennel and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
3

Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
4

Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, along with the lemon juice, sugar, paprika, gin and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
5

Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomato liquid reduces and the mixture has thickened slightly, 10 to 12 minutes.
6

Cool slightly.
7

Transfer the vegetables, in batches, to a blender jar and puree until smooth, then return to the pot.
8

Add the broth, one cup at a time, until the soup reaches desired consistency, stirring to thoroughly combine.
9

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently.
10

Add the cream if desired and adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and black pepper.
11

Garnish each serving with basil.