There is nothing more comforting than tomato soup. I remember tomato soup as a favorite meal before mom (who was a home economics teacher at the time) might have to rush off to a high school basketball game to keep gate or run the concession stand. (Those are the joys and duties of public school teachers that the public sometimes forgets—it is not an 8-3 job.)
My sister and I loved this meal of canned tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches, a fast and easy meal for mom and a comforting meal for us. (However, on a not so healthy note, I just remembered that we loved to put Cheetos in our tomato soup!)
I have grown, culinarily speaking, from that love of condensed tomato soup (and Cheetos) so here is my take on updating that classic.
Tuscan Tomato Soup
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
5 cipollini onions, peeled and quartered (or about half of a white onion)
1 clove garlic, minced
1/3 c. red wine
1 (14.5 oz.) can Italian style diced tomatoes (I used 1 pint of our garden grown canned tomatoes with peppers and onions.)
2/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 T. pure organic honey
1/2 t. fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 t. freeze dried basil
pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 c. plain Greek yogurt or reduced fat sour cream
Fresh ground pepper
1/8 c. grated Parmesan cheese
In 3-quart saucepan, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook 5 minutes (over med-low heat), stirring constantly, until onion starts to brown. Add garlic and cook one minute more. Deglaze pan with red wine and turn up heat. Cook for about 2 minutes or until reduced by half.
Stir in tomatoes, broth, honey, and red pepper flakes. Add rosemary and basil. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes.
Remove from heat and puree with a stick blender. Whisk in yogurt. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve with some great bread for dipping in the soup. Makes 2 servings. This recipe is easily doubled.
I don’t think I’ve ever had canned tomato soup, but I’m giggling at the thought of putting Cheetos into it (I was a big Cheetos fan!). Your soup looks fantastic..those herbs, the Parm, the wine…wonderful!!!
You have never had Campbell’s condensed tomato soup? How did you have a normal childhood? lol