Cream of Sun-Dried Tomato Soup
INGREDIENTS:
1 Tbs (15 ml) olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 cups (1 L) vegetable stock (or chicken stock for a non-vegetarian version)
4 cups (1 L) chopped ripe tomatoes or canned Italian tomatoes, drained
1 large potato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup (125 ml) sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil)
1 Tbs (15 ml) chopped fresh basil or 1 tsp (5 ml) dried
1 cup (250 ml) milk, half and half, or heavy cream
Sugar, salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste
Chopped chives for garnish
DIRECTION:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over moderate heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic and sauté until tender but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add the stock, tomatoes, potato, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Puree in a food processor or blender in small batches until smooth, straining through a fine sieve if desired. Stir in the milk or cream and season with sugar, salt, and pepper. Serve garnished with chopped chives. Serves 6 to 8.