Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 large carrots
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 Mediterranean bay leaves
2 cans (14.5 oz. each) whole peeled organic tomatoes with juice, preferably San Marzano or Muir Glen
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano, divided
About 1/2 cup crème fraîche
About 1 1/2 tbsp. chopped chives
Preparation
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Pour in oil, then add onion, carrots, garlic, 1 tsp. salt, the red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened and onion is translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. “It’s important to cook your onions before you add liquid. Otherwise they won’t melt in a simmering pot; they stay fibrous,” advises Smith.
Add tomatoes, crushing them up with your hands, plus their juice and 2 cans water. “Canned whole tomatoes are usually higher quality than chopped,” Conley says. “But chopped are okay in a pinch.” Bring soup to a simmer and add half of oregano. Decrease heat to very low and simmer, partly covered, 2 hours. About 20 minutes before soup is done, add remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and the remaining oregano.
Remove bay leaves and blend soup until smooth. Add a bit of water if the soup looks thick, and strain if you want it silky smooth.
Serve soup topped with crème fraîche and chives.
Nutritional Information (Amount per serving) Calories: 143 Calories from fat: 65% Protein: 2.1g Fat: 11g Saturated fat: 4.7g Carbohydrate: 10g Fiber: 2.1g Sodium: 591mg Cholesterol: 14mg
Sue Conley and Peggy Smith, Cowgirl Creamery, Sunset NOVEMBER 2013
