Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Soup

I hope you all enjoyed guest blogger Jessica’s post on heirloom tomatoes yesterday! If you missed it, be sure to go here to read it. Since many of us are still picking loads of tomatoes from our gardens, I wanted to share a recipe with all of you.

I spent Labor Day weekend with my family on one of Minnesota’s most beautiful lakes. Typically when we’re up at the lake, nutrition is not the main focus. Boat rides to Dairy Queen and glazed doughnuts from the local bakery make it hard to eat well! But, when my mom is there, I rest easy because she always makes nutrition a priority. And she didn’t let us down this year with her fresh cucumbers and peppers from her garden; homemade walnut pesto; homemade almond walnut butter; and heirloom tomato soup.

Not a bad place to spend a few days, right? The soup was welcomed because the weather was pretty chilly. I’d have to go on a morning run just to warm up enough to jump in the lake, and by lunchtime nothing sounded better than a warm bowl of homemade soup. She got the recipe from a Williams Sonoma catalog, and added a few of her own touches. It freezes well so make a big pot and enjoy it all throughout the fall and into winter!

Heirloom Tomato Soup

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

1 fennel bulb, trimmed and diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup dry vermouth

2 lbs. juicy heirloom tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (I’d just keep the skin on because it’s easier and healthier)

2 tbs tomato paste

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tbs chopped fresh herbs (parsley, tarragon, chives)

Above: My mom's heirlooms from one of her many harvests

In a Dutch oven or large pot, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion, fennel and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (about 10 minutes). Add vermouth and cook until evaporated. Add tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to break down, 8-10 minutes. Add broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes.

Using an immersion blender, blender (but wait until it’s cooled), or Vita-Mix, puree soup, leaving some chunks for texture. Season with sea salt and pepper. Stir in herbs just before serving. Serves 4.

I wish I had photos for you but I didn’t think of taking any last weekend. This soup seems really easy to make and absolutely every ingredient is PWN-approved! You can usually buy heirlooms at a local health food store if you don’t have any in your garden. Regular tomatoes will work too – just don’t tell Jessica!