My vote has been cast and I am feeling very patriotic and nostalgic today. What better way to feed my soul than to prepare a soup that screams Americana to me!
This Tomato Basil Soup was inspired by a recipe in Ina Garten’s newest book, Barefoot Contessa Foolproof. The recipe goes together very quickly and you can have dinner on the table in no time. If your children have already drawn the line that they do not like tomato soup, I would suggest you simply rename the soup with a more enticing title. Perhaps Italian Pasta Soup would be just the rename to provoke tastes and squeals of delight from your family.
I like to serve this with grilled cheese sandwiches or a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese. We recently enjoyed this heartwarming soup after returning from the movie theater and found it equally delicious sprinkled with popcorn.
However you decide to present and serve this soup, enjoy the flavors and the fact that dinner can be a no-brainer.
Tomato Basil Orzo Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 can (28 oz.) San Marzano tomatoes, pureed in blender, food processor or with an immersion blender
1 heaping teaspoon dried basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup orzo
1/2 cup heavy cream
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onions, reduce the heat to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 2 to 3 additional minutes.
Add chicken broth, pureed tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes.
While soup is simmering, fill a medium saucepan with water and cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Add orzo to soup and stir in cream. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Makes 6 servings
Hi Roxanne and Kathy,
I was at Bed, Bath and Beyond in Mesa, AZ this afternoon and saw such a nice display
of Baby Cake/Pops machines and your cookbooks. I looked around to mention to people
coming by that I knew these gals…..but nobody came by! I would have been a good
salesperson. Ha
Merry Christmas to you and your families,
Jo
Thanks Jo,
We appreciate your support! Have fun in Arizona and Merry Christmas to you too!