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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 1 |
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To ramp up heartiness but not fat or calories, purée half the batch in a blender, then stir it back into the pot. Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil |
1 large or 2 medium onions, halved and thinly sliced |
1 carrot, chopped |
salt and freshly ground pepper |
2 tablespoons tomato paste |
1 sprig fresh thyme, or 1/2 tsp dried |
2 pounds tomatoes, cored and chopped, or 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, including the juice |
2-3 cups water or tomato juice |
1 teaspoon sugar, optional |
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional |
Directions:
1. Put the oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it's hot, add the onion and carrot, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften (3-5 minutes). Add the tomato paste, lower the heat a bit, and continue to cook, stirring to coat the vegetables with the paste, until the paste begins to darken-don't let it burn (1-2 minutes).
2. Strip the thyme leaves from the stem and add them to the pot along with the tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down (10-15 minutes). Add 2 cups of the water or juice and bring to a boil, then adjust the heat so that the mixture bubbles gently. Let cook until the flavors meld (5 more minutes).
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning; if the soup tastes flat (but salty enough), stir in the sugar. If it's too thick, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time. If it's too thin, cook until it thickens and reduces slightly (this will also intensify the flavors). Garnish with basil, if using, and serve.
4. Change It Up!
5. Hearty Tomato Soup: Add 1/2 cup white rice, bulgur, or couscous with the water in Step 2, along with 1 more cup liquid. Cook until the grain is tender (5-15 minutes) and be prepared to add a little more water if the soup gets too thick.
6. Spiced Tomato Soup: Instead of the fresh thyme and basil, add 1 TBSP curry or chili powder or 1 tsp smoked paprika (pimentón) along with the tomato paste in Step 1.
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