Comfort Food: Homemade Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup

Something about tomato soup reaches into your soul and says, “Go ahead. Stay in your sweats!”  The ultimate comfort food is tomato soup—it’s never be served with anything other than an ooey gooey grilled cheese.  If your tomato soup usually comes from a can, don’t be turned away.  This recipe takes time, but every minute is worth it. Your grilled cheese will thank you!

Homemade Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup

Makes 4 servings.

• 3 pounds Roma Tomatoes, fresh, cores removed
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by putting foil down or lining with a silicone mat.  Place all of the tomatoes and the garlic on the baking sheet.  Roast for 45 to 55 minutes in the middle of the oven or until the tomatoes have shriveled skins.  It’s also ok to let them get some brown spots on the skins.  Let cool for 15 minutes.

Peel the tomatoes if you prefer.  (I just let the skins get pureed in the food processor.)  Put all of the tomatoes and garlic plus the onion into a food processor or blender, including the juices that were released during roasting.  Allow to mix for about a minute or until it is uniform.

Pour the tomato mixture from the food processor into a large saucepan.  Add the bay leaf, pepper, paprika, and the broth.   Bring to a boil on medium high heat, then put the heat on low and allow to simmer for 45 minutes.  Garnish with basil and serve hot with grilled cheese.   If you would like to make cream of tomato soup, add ½ cup heavy cream.   This recipe also freezes well if you’d like to save it for the next rainy day.

To make a grilled cheese, butter two slices of bread and pack it with your favorite cheeses.  Good melting cheeses include cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, provolone, havarti, muenster, brie, and many others.  Heat a skillet over medium heat and place your sandwich down.  Cook for about 3 minutes or until the bread has browned.  Flip and allow the other side to brown.

Really, what is better than a grilled cheese and tomato soup on a chilly day?

What are your favorite fall foods?