I posted this Southern Lady recipe early on in my blogging, but wanted to feature it again this Christmas season. This versatile dish is equally at home dazzling the crowd on a full-course holiday menu, or relaxing with toasted cheese sandwiches for a simple weeknight supper. With its zesty aroma and smooth texture, this soup is one of our wintertime favorites.
Creamy Tomato Soup with Sourdough Croutons
3 T. butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
2 (14-1/2 oz.) cans diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
2 c. chicken broth
2 c. (1 pt.) whipping cream
1 small can tomato paste
1 T. sugar
1/4 t. pepper
Sourdough croutons
Fresh thyme leaves
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 3-5 minutes or until tender. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Transfer half of mixture into container of an electric blender; cover and process until smooth, stopping once to scrape down sides; place in a bowl. Repeat for remaining half, then return all of pureed mixture to saucepan. Add whipping cream, tomato paste, sugar and pepper; stir well with a wire whisk. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly heated. Ladle into individual soup bowls. Sprinkle with croutons, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired. Yield: 8 cups
