The past couple weeks I just have not had much of an appetite. I’ve been nibbling on random things and haven’t done a ton of cooking. I definitely suffer from the winter blues…. The weather the past few days in Boston has been dreary, snowy, rainy, and messy. I need a tropical vacation… where should I go?? I’ve been craving tomato soup and last night was the perfect time to get back into the “eating game” with a nice comforting bowl of it… and a grilled cheese. Because I think that’s the only way I’ll eat tomato soup 😉 I found a recipe for Spicy Tomato Soup on Martha Stewart’s website and thought the extra kick would be delightful.
Here’s what you need (for about 4 servings):
• 14 ounces (1 can) diced tomatoes in juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small fresh or dried red chili pepper, remove seeds for less heat
• 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 cups plain soy milk*
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Coarse salt and ground pepper, to taste
• Parsley leaves, for garnish
* I had to use 1% milk… the last few times I’ve had soy products I’ve had “reactions”, which makes me believe I’m allergic. I’m getting kind of sick of these food allergies!
I used my Chef’n Garlic Zoom XL for the first time tonight, too! Told you I haven’t cooked in a while 😉 This thing is magic! I can’t even believe I spent so long in the past chopping garlic by hand. My favorite part is how the whole gadget opens up from the center and the blade can be removed for easy access and cleaning!
Okay, back to the recipe (although I could talk about the Garlic Zoom for days)…
Here’s what you do:
• Heat broiler and place oven rack in the middle position. Strain the tomatoes and reserve the juices. Spread the tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and broil until the tomatoes are lightly browned; about 8-10 minutes.
• In a food processor combine the browned tomatoes, garlic, chili pepper, carrot, milk, reserved tomato juices, and lemon juice. Puree until the mixture is smooth.
Please note that I started to puree in a food processor and switched to my Kitchen-Aid blender. Not only did I forget to put the blade in the food processor but I overfilled it which caused quite a liquid-y mess all on my counters… which I should have photographed just for kicks. Kitchen mishaps are lovely, right?
• Once the soup is pureed, transfer to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley prior to serving.
I served the delicious and spicy soup alongside a grilled cheese with scallions on wheat bread. Adding the scallions added an extra bit of flavor to an otherwise standard sandwich… I think I will be doing more of this because it was tasty! If you’re not BIG into spicy spicy things I suggest cutting back on the chili pepper a bit.. perhaps use half of a small chili pepper instead of a whole.
Also, don’t forget to dip the grilled cheese into the tomato soup while you eat it. Because that’s the best part 😉
[Chels]
I’ve never made my own tomato soup. I should definitely do it soon.
Yum! This looks delish! I am not a big tomato soup fan because it always tastes so bland but a little spice could be what I need! I’m going to give this a try soon!
I was just thinking about tomato soup and grilled cheese. It’s one of my winter staples. I haven’t had in a months or so.
I love the idea of a spicy tomato soup! I also love introducing people to the tomato soup/grilled cheese combo – my boyfriend had actually never had it (the horror) and was skeptical the first time I made it for him. Of course he immediately became a big fan!
Yea- I am certainly freaked out by tomato soup due to what Dad used to serve us as kids, HOWEVER this looks delightful:)
you have to invite me over next time you make this!! I love grilled cheese- especially made with brioche and goat cheese like the one at Stephanie’s on Newbury!! YUMMMMMMMMMMM
This looks great…….. and im curious to know what your dad served you as kids.. lol
yum i have to try this – now that i have my new love for tomato soup and grilled cheese, i can’t believe i was missing out on this for so long!
Mmmm I’ve always loved tomato soup, even the Campbells’ stuff…actually, my preferred brand was always Rosella, I think it was an Australian brand but it was a very, very good soup. Have you tried the cream of tomato soup from smittenkitchen? It’s great…like Rosella’s, but undeniably better.
this looks so good. I love grilled cheese and tomato soup! My husband won’t eat tomato soup, so I’ll save this until the next time he goes out of town 🙂
This is my first time to your site – I love it!
What a great idea! Grilled cheese always puts me in a good mood. I think I also need to give tomato soup another shot!
so, that garlic zoom thing – you never have to touch it??? my roomie has a garlic press, but i still get my hands all garlicy when i have to remove bits from the press, and then i smell like garlic for DAYS! gross!
*i mean, never have to touch the garlic, of course
Mmm! I’ve had a recent obsession with Tomato Soup!!! I actually just made a big pot of it last night-Ive never made it with Milk-for some reason it seems strange to me-Ill have to give it a shot!
Yum, that is some serious comfort food.
what a fun play on tomato soup & grilled cheese! love the recipes, ladies!