Farmhouse Cream of Tomato Soup

(Serves  4-6)

A fantastic smooth tomato soup, another family favourite that has them clamouring for more!

Ingredients:

         3.5 lb (1.58kg) of ripe tomatoes (skinned & chopped)
         1 large onion (fine diced)
         1 celery stalk (chopped fine)
         1 small potato (fine diced)
         1 tbl spoon tomato puree
         1 ½ pints (0.70 ltrs) chicken stock
         ¼ tbls smoked paprika
         1 tbls white sugar
         7 fl oz (0.20) double cream
         ¼ tbls crushed black pepper
         2 slices of smoked bacon (optional)
         Dollop of butter & splash of cooking oil

Preparation:

Prepare the tomatoes by crossing with a knife lightly along the bottom, then adding to boiling water for about 1 minute. Remove and peel away the skins. Chop ready to add to stock.

In a large heavy bottomed pan, heat the butter and oil then add the diced onion, pepper and paprika. Cook for two minutes, do not allow onion to color.

Add the stock along with the chopped celery, potato, chopped tomatoes and sugar.

Add the bacon rashers (optional) and boil for approx 40 mins.

Remove bacon rashers if added, then leave to cool. When cooled, blitz in a blender and re-heat, adding the cream and mixing thoroughly before serving.

 

Freezes well, if cream is excluded. This can be added separately before serving.

 

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