Friday, January 23, 2009

Cream of Tomato Soup with Herbs and Cheese

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This soup is like the one Mom made on cold winter days. It not as assertive as a roasted tomato soup, but it's good nonetheless. When you're in the mood for a creamy soup that goes down like butter this one is for you. It was, and still is, great with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Cream of Tomato Soup with Herbs and Cheese

Ingredients:
2 (14.5 to 16-oz.) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (14.5-oz.) can tomato sauce
2 cups sliced celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup cold water
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
6 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Directions:
1) Simmer tomatoes, celery and onion until vegetables are tender. Combine cold water and baking soda; add to tomato mixture. The baking soda neutralizes tomato acid and prevents it from curdling the milk.
2) In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook. Add milk and cook, stirring often, until milk comes to a boil and thickens. Stir cream sauce into hot tomato mixture. Season with salt, and pepper. Add cheese and stir, over low heat, until it is melted. Sprinkle with parsley and mint. Yield: 12 cups.

24 comments :

Julia said...

I've been craving summer! And this looks like the perfect antidote. That's really interesting about the baking soda! I've never seen that technique before... Does it affect the taste?

Martha said...

I've not made tomato soup with cheese but this looks yummy!

Martha

Anonymous said...

Looks wonderful. The Trout and I were just talking yesterday about grilled cheese and tomato soup ;)

Mary Bergfeld said...

Hi Julia, welcome. Not to worry about the baking soda as it doesn't affect taste. It's a trick used by old farm wives and it really will prevent curdling.

Cathy said...

Tomato cheddar soup - what a terrific idea. I've never thought to combine the two.

If you added croutons you would have tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich in one bowl.

Susan said...

This sounds wonderful- My brother has been asking me for a tomato soup recipe and this is the one Im sending him! Thanks so much...

MyKitchenInHalfCups said...

I've not seen that for baking soda! What a tip.
I'm in the mood for some tomato soup and I've been thinking tomato soup would be a perfect appetizer for some guests.

Allie said...

Oh, this looks amazing! So beautiful, really.

Pam said...

I love tomato soup and your version looks fantastic. Great tip about the baking soda too!

Barbara said...

I'm not a fan of tomato soup from a can, but this sounds yummy. My husband will love it as he is a big fan of tomato soup.

Anonymous said...

Very nice. I have always been a fan of tomato soup and this looks like a lovely version!

Sara said...

This sounds like a delicious soup for a cold winter day!

Anonymous said...

This looks very warm and inviting!!!!

Anonymous said...

hmmm... this is quite interesting... thanks for sharing!!! :)

Anonymous said...

OMG, this looks delicious. Does it matter what type of milk? I buy 1%. Do you think that will be rich enough?

Thanks!

Jules

Mary Bergfeld said...

Jules, this recipe is fine with milk.

Becky said...

Oh Mary, you have made me so hungry looking at this. Wish I could just have lunch with you!

Anonymous said...

So it doesn't have to be whole milk, then?

Mary Bergfeld said...

Jules, 1 % would be fine, 2 % better, whole milk best. Sorry, I misread your question earlier. I've got to slow down and smell the roses :). Hugs...Mary

Anonymous said...

Thanks Mary!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Mary!

Mila said...

Yummy in my tummy! thats all I can say!

Kiezie said...

I have always loved tomato soup but never made it from scratch. Your recipe looks fantastic and I can't wait to try it. Your blog is beautiful! Thank you.

Peter M said...

Tomato soup is one of my faves with a grilled cheese sandwich...sometimes a splash of cream to mellow it out.

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