Tomato Basil Soup

Now that it is officially Autumn, we can start busting out the best recipes for cold, dreary days. Soup is always a great recipe to make, since it generally yields large batches, which keep well in the fridge or freezer for later use. They are also a great way to get extra vegetables into your diet.

I am a huge fan of blended soups. I like the consistency, the flavor and the warmth of a nice mug full of piping hot, homemade soup. I would highly recommend investing in an "immersion blender", I will link a few places you can purchase one -- I highly suggest Cuisinart as theirs is high quality and very moderately priced at $69.99, but I snagged mine for $49.99 from London Drugs when it was on sale. It also came with a whisk attachment and a small food processor attachment. These immersion blenders are perfect for blended soups but if you utilize the other attachments that come with them you will find yourself using them for a lot of other recipes.

Today I made a basic Tomato Basil Soup, it's perfect for the rainy day we are having. It's very simple, very healthy and definitely satisfying.

Tomato Basil Soup

Yields: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

2 28oz cans whole tomatoes
1 yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 carrots, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 C fresh Basil, chopped
3 C low sodium chicken broth
clarified butter aka "ghee"
salt & pepper
1 C milk *optional*
1/4-1/2 t red pepper flakes *optional*

Directions:

In a large stock pot, heat ghee over medium heat. Add chopped carrot, celery, and garlic and saute 5 minutes. Add basil and saute another 2-3 minutes.

Add tomatoes and chicken broth to the vegetables, bring to a boil and let simmer 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are fork tender add milk, salt, pepper & red chili flakes. Remove from heat.

Blend until smooth using an immersion blender. If you don't have one and use a regular blender, make sure you cool the soup completely before blending as hot liquids will expand and can blow the top off your blender.

Adjust the seasoning to your preference, serve hot and garnish with croutons or a bit of shredded cheddar cheese!

*Cuisinart Immersion Blender - London Drugs $69.99
*Cuisinart Immersion Blender - ON SALE - The Bay $55.99

Enjoy and Buon Appetito!