We are in North Carolina celebrating our Grandson’s second birthday. The weather has been cold and snowy. It was a treat to walk into our Son and DIL’s home for lunch the other day. Big fluffy flakes of snow coated our hair and eyelashes and the landscape was being quickly transformed from winter brown to winter white. Opening the door we were greeted with the aroma of freshly baked butterscotch bars and simmering homemade tomato soup.
The children were excited about the snow and there was a festive air to our lunch consisting of Kristen’s soup and grilled cheese sandwiches on sourdough bread. The soup was piping hot and had a depth of flavor you just can’t achieve by opening a single can. It was a little smoky from the bacon, bright from the fresh basil and thyme and rich from the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth and cream. That is why I am calling this “The Best Tomato Soup”. It was indeed the best I have ever eaten.
I think you will agree.
THE BEST TOMATO SOUP
olive oil
1 large or 2 small shallots – diced
6 strips of bacon – chopped
1/2 cup white wine
2 garlic cloves – diced
2 tbsp. chopped thyme
2 tbsp. chopped basil
1 tbsp. sugar
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
3 oz. tomato paste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
Directions
In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until soft. Add bacon and cook until golden brown and crispy. Add garlic, thyme, basil, and tomato paste and continue to cook for another minute or two. Add white wine to deglaze pan. Simmer until reduced by 1/3. Add crushed tomatoes, cream, chicken broth, salt and sugar (to taste). Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and puree soup in the pot with immersion blender until it reaches the consistency you desire. Return to heat and keep warm on low (or medium low) until you’re ready to eat.
It seems so easy but tomato soup is one of those dishes it is hard to get right. Enjoy your visit!!
Your pictures sold me on this soup…can’t wait to try it! I’m so glad you are having some family time!
XO,
Jane
I don’t think I have ever eaten the best tomato soup. This really looks good.
Looks great! I just made homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese this past weekend while it was snowing too! Enjoy your time up here with your family…
xoxo
Penny
I loved your first paragraph Penny. Maybe it’s due to my childhood but every once in a while I get the urge for tomato soup (and grilled cheese sandwich) and this sounds like a good one. Some I’ve tried use too much broth and aren’t tomatoee enough for me.
Who wouldn’t be happy to walk in to a lunch of homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese. Wow. Snow would be quite a change from Florida weather, but it must be wonderful to be with your family.
Sam
I can vouch for this wonderful soup. It was delicious and comforting on that snowy winter day. Loved celebrating Cameron’s and Kim’s birthdays with you. Hope you had a easier trip back to FL!
I feel so honored that this is the best tomato soup you’ve eaten, Penny! Thank you! It is our favorite at home as well and we will likely never have tomato soup from a can again (if I can help it)! Miss and Love you!
If there’s anythiing more delicious than tomato soup and toasted cheese sandwiches on a snowy day, I don’t know what it is. The bacon adds such a depth of flavour and I think using tinned tomatoes often makes winter tomato soup richer, more delicious, than summer versions. It sounds like you all had a wonderful birthday celebration for your grandson.
I’m a sucker for a really good tomato soup, anywhere and anytime of year. This looks like a real winner. Now, maybe a touch of Madeira, too . . . w/out grandkids of course!
I prepare soup almost weekly and have to say that my all time favorite is tomato. I don’t think I’ve ever added bacon, and this is a recipe I’m eager to try. Thanks for sharing it, Penny.