Looking Forward to Summer Tomato Soup

One of our favorite things about summer is enjoying a ripe tomato fresh from the garden.  The Buckhorn Inn vegetable gardens are doing splendidly and we look forward to a heavy yield.  This year we are growing heirloom style gourmet tomatoes from Burpee Seed Company http://www.burpee.com.  “Black Krims” have a beautiful dark color and tangy flavor.  “Supersteaks” are real giants with a beefsteak flavor.  “Big Rainbows” are sweet and mild with yellow and red

streaked flesh.  Some consider the “Brandywine Pink” to be the best-tasting heirloom of all time.  “Black Pearl” cherry tomatoes are purplish black with a deep, rich, and sweet flavor.  We are looking forward to eating these fresh in salads, in a chilled gazpacho, roasted, and in a delicious summer soup.  

Tomatoes originated in western South America.  The Aztec word tomatl gave way to the Spanish word tomate from which our English word tomato is derived.  The indigenous peoples of Mexico began using tomatoes as a cultivated food.  The Spanish, during colonization of the Americas, discovered tomatoes and brought them to Europe.  Tomatoes are about 95% water and are a good source of vitamin C.

Summer Tomato Soup

Sautee in olive oil until tender:

1 Diced onion

3 Minced garlic cloves

Add:

5-7 Pounds coarsely chopped fresh tomatoes

1 Quart chicken broth

1 Teaspoon dried savory

1 Tablespoon sugar

1 Tablespoon fresh chopped thyme

1/2 Cup tomato paste

Salt and pepper to taste.

Bring to a boil and then simmer for 45 minutes.  Strain ingredients in a colander, pressing on vegetables to get all the juice out.  Discard vegetables.  
Bring to a boil again and add one diced tomato and torn basil and parsley to taste.  Correct seasonings.  This is delicious served with garlic croutons and shaved parmesan cheese.  This recipe yields about eight servings.  Please note that this recipe is best when using tomatoes in season.  If you make this recipe with out-of-season tomatoes you may want to add some tomato juice to ensure a deep, rich flavor.  Enjoy!