Saturday, March 22, 2008

Cream of Tomato soup

 Recipe By: Cooks Illustrated
 Serving Size: 6 -Makes about 5 1/2 cups

 Ingredients:
 2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (not packed in puree), drained, 3 cups juice reserved, tomatoes seeded
 1 1/2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
4 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 large shallots, minced
 1 tablespoon tomato paste
 Pinch ground allspice
 2 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth
 1/2 cup heavy cream
 Table salt
cayenne pepper

 Directions:
 1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees; line jelly-roll pan or rimmed cookie sheet with foil. Spread tomatoes in single layer on foil, and sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Bake until all liquid has evaporated and tomatoes begin to color, about 30 minutes. Let tomatoes cool slightly, then peel them off foil; transfer to small bowl and set aside.
2. Heat butter over medium heat in medium nonreactive saucepan until foaming; add shallots, tomato paste, and allspice. Reduce heat to  low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are softened, 7 to 10 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, until thoroughly combined, about 30 seconds. Whisking constantly, gradually add chicken stock; stir in reserved tomato juice and roasted  tomatoes. Cover, increase heat to medium, and bring to boil; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors, about 10 minutes.
 3. Strain mixture into medium bowl; rinse out saucepan. Transfer tomatoes and solids in strainer to blender; add 1 cup strained liquid and puree until smooth. Add remaining reserved liquid.
 4. Return the pureed mixture to the saucepan, add cream, and heat over low heat until hot, about 3 minutes. Off heat, season to taste with salt and cayenne, and serve immediately.
 To Make Ahead
This soup can be prepared through step 3, cooled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat over low heat before proceeding with step 3.


 Notes:
 Make sure to use canned whole tomatoes that are not packed in puree; you will need some of the juice to make the soup.

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