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During the summer months tomatoes and basil can be found in abundance growing in most cooks’ gardens as well at your local farmers markets. Plum, beefsteak and heirloom are some of my favorites and there are a variety of tomato based dishes you can create! However nothing beats a traditional roasted tomato basil soup paired with a grilled cheese. This was the first time I have made this soup for my son to which he exclaimed, “Wow! This is MUCH better than the canned soup!” This soup is so simple there is never a reason to serve it out of a can again. This classic tomato basil soup calls for first roasting the tomatoes, onions and garlic which brings out the natural sugars. I was a little hesitant to use canned tomatoes but it really adds to the soup with out having to use 10 lbs of tomatoes. Make sure you are using a low sodium or organic canned variety such as Muir Glen.

Here is a short video on how to seed a tomato

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. fresh tomatoes, halved and seeded (about 5-6 large tomatoes)
• 2 large white onions, peeled and quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/2 cup organic low sodium vegetable stock
• 2 cups fresh basil, chopped
• 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. sea salt
• 1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen Organic Fire Roasted Tomatoes

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 400º
2. Start by seeding the tomatoes. Cut them in half horizontally and gently squeeze out the juice and seeds through a strainer and into a large bowl.
3. Discard the seeds and juice
4. Toss the tomatoes, onions and garlic with 2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil and sea salt
5. Lay the tomatoes, onions and garlic on a cookie tray lined with foil and roast for 30-45 minutes
6. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onions and garlic to a food processor or blender
7. Add a can of fire roasted tomatoes and basil
8. Start to puree the soup on low and slowly turn up the speed to avoid splattering
9. slowly add the vegetable stock
10. Puree the soup for 3-4 minutes
11. season with salt and pepper to taste
12. If you want a more rich tomato flavor then simmer soup in a pot for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to concentrate
13. Ladle into a soup bowl and drizzle with olive oil or sour cream

https://newsouthfoodcompany.com/tomato-basil-soup/