Gammy’s tomato soup — Kitchn Affair

Nothing says comfort food to me more than grilled cheese and my Gammy’s tomato soup. When tomatoes are in peak season this soup is best but I often need comfort mid-winter so feel free to substitute fresh tomatoes with canned San Marzano tomatoes. This recipe modifies easily so if you’re substituting canned tomatoes skip the first part of the recipe and jump to adding tomatoes to the stock - throw the whole can in. This soup is creamy, sweet, smooth and so satisfying. I like to pair it up with a good old fashioned grilled cheese with Velveeta slices on white bread or with an adult version of old cheddar, applewood smoked bacon on sourdough. The options are endless but the results are the same - comfort food at its best.

For the soup

2 1/2 lb fresh Roma tomatoes or 1-2 lb can Whole San Marzano tomatoes

1 lg onion, chopped

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 stick unsalted butter

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1-2 tsp kosher salt

fresh ground pepper, to taste

Bring a large pot of water to boil.

While waiting for the water to boil, score tomatoes with an ‘x’ at the top opposite the core as in image below.

When water is boiled add tomatoes and continue to boil about 1-2 minutes or until the tomato skins start to open at the top (see pic below). Strain tomatoes in a colander and let cool.

While tomatoes are cooling, add olive oil and 1/2 stick butter to pot over medium heat and add onions. Sauté until soft and translucent.

Add chicken stock to onions in pot and bring to boil.

Meanwhile, when tomatoes are cool enough to handle, peel the skins and toss in green bin. Once stock has come to boil, add peeled tomatoes, reduce heat to medium and cook 20-25 minutes uncovered.

Remove pot from heat and using an immersion hand blender purée until smooth.
Return soup to stove and bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and let reduce by 1/3.

Put soup through fine mesh sieve, return to pot, add cream, sugar, salt and pepper and let simmer about 5 minutes more; adjust seasoning to taste.

Swirl in remaining butter and serve.