Test Kitchens Favorite Tomato Soup Recipes

TEST KITCHEN'S FAVORITE TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium-high. When butter melts, add onion, garlic, and 2 teaspoons salt. Cook, stirring often, until soft and golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute. Add tomatoes and juice, broth, and basil sprigs. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until tomatoes are very soft and breaking down, about 20 minutes. Discard basil sprigs and let cool slightly.
• Working in batches, puree soup in a blender until smooth; return to saucepan. Season to taste with salt and pepper. To serve, rewarm over medium-low heat, divide among bowls, and top with basil leaves, a drizzle of oil, and more black pepper.

THE BEST TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the celery, onions, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened but not browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Add the broth and thyme leaves. Cover and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour.
• Let the hot soup cool for about 5 minutes or so, then transfer half of it to a blender filling no more than halfway. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter. Remove the center cap from the lid and place it on the blender. Cover the lid with a kitchen towel to catch splatters, and pulse until smooth. Pour into a clean pot or container. Repeat with the remaining soup and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with more oil before serving.

TOMATO-PARMESAN SOUP

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large wide pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender and lightly browned in spots, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until the mixture is well coated, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, parmesan rind, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring.
• Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a steady simmer and cook until the soup is slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes; discard the bay leaves and Parmesan rind. Blend the soup in the pot with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches and puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the soup among bowls. Top with basil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

TEST KITCHEN'S FAVORITE GRILLED CHEESE

Steps:

• Arrange bread in a single layer on a clean work surface. Stir together butter and mayonnaise. Spread mixture evenly onto one side of every slice (1 scant tablespoon per slice).
• Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium. Flip over bread on work surface (so it's plain-side up). Place 1 1/2 slices American cheese on 4 slices, and 1/4 cup cheddar on remaining 4 slices. Carefully sandwich together.
• Place sandwiches in skillet (in two batches, if needed). Reduce heat to medium-low; gently top sandwiches with a lid slightly smaller than skillet for even cooking. Cook, flipping once halfway through, until crisp and golden on both sides and cheese is melted, 7 to 9 minutes. Serve immediately.

THE BEST EVER TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• In a 6-quart stockpot or Dutch oven, heat oil, butter and pepper flakes over medium heat until butter is melted. Add carrots and onion; cook, uncovered, over medium heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and dried basil; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, to let flavors blend, 20-25 minutes. , Remove pan from heat. Using a blender, puree soup in batches until smooth. If desired, slowly stir in heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate; return to stove to heat through. Top servings with fresh basil if desired.

CONTEST-WINNING FRESH TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• in large saucepan, saute the celery, onion, carrot and green pepper in butter. Add 4 cups broth, tomatoes, sugar, salt, curry and pepper. , Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Combine flour and remaining 1/2 cup broth until smooth. Gradually stir into soup. Cook until slightly thickened, stirring frequently.