Creamy Tomato Soup

By orchidgal

Comforting tomato soup warms the body and soul.

Ingredients

• 3 strips thick sliced bacon, diced
• 3 tablespoons shallots or onion, grated or minced
• 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 - 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 1 - 29 ounce can (or 2 - 15 ounce cans) tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup turkey (or chicken or vegetable) stock
• Salt, to taste
• Sugar, to taste
• Fresh chives, chopped (or green onion), for garnish
• Cheddar cheese, finely grated, for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

In a heavy stainless steel pot, fry the bacon pieces over medium-high heat. When cooked, remove the bacon, leaving the bacon grease. Drain the bacon on a paper towel and set aside for use as a garnish for the soup.

Add the shallots or onion to the bacon grease and cook until soft.

Add the garlic, thyme, rosemary and tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring frequently.

Add the tomato puree, cream, stock and salt and sugar to taste. Depending upon the acidity of the tomatoes, you might need ¼ to ½ cup sugar or more. Also, depending upon the brand of tomatoes used, the amount of salt added will have to be adjusted. Taste, taste, taste. There is no other way to correct for seasonings here. Allow the soup to come to a simmer.

Pour into bowls and garnish as desired.