Ask almost anyone what their favorite thing is at la Madeleine, and you'll hear tomato soup. Except all those weird people obsessed with Caesar salad. Okay, okay, the Caesar salad is good, too. But the tomato soup is AMAZING. And now I know why: butter and cream. Sneaky. But now that I can make it at home, I don't have to dish out quite as much cash to feed my addiction.
Tomato Basil Soup
Adapted from la Madeleine Country French Café, as seen in The Dallas Morning News
4 cups (8 to 10) tomatoes, peeled, cored, and chopped
4 cups tomato juice
2 teaspoons chicken base (optional)
12 to 14 fresh, washed basil leaves, plus more for garnish
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 teaspoons sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Crusty bread
Combine tomatoes, juice (or juice-stock mixture) in a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Cool slightly, then place the mixture in a blender and process with fresh basil leaves to puree. This will have to be done in small batches.
Strain the mixture, pushing as much pulp through the mesh as possible. Return the mixture to the saucepan and add the cream and butter. Stir over low heat until the cream and butter are incorporated. Garnish with basil leaves and serve with crusty bread.
Note: If the soup seems too acidic after the butter and cream have been added, add a little granulated sugar to balance the flavors. Sometimes tomatoes need a little help.
Makes 8 servings
Makes 8 servings
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