Homemade Tomato Soup

Roasted garden fresh tomatoes and fresh herbs create the perfect simple tomato soup.

Ingredients

Fresh ripe tomatoes - 3 pounds 
Garlic - 4 cloves, peeled

Onion - ½ , diced
Red bell pepper - ½ , diced

Olive oil - 2 TBSP
salt & pepper to taste
Dried basil - ½ tsp
Dried oregano - ½ tsp
Chicken broth - 2 cups
Fresh herbs - 2 TBSP, basil/parsley/oregano

Optional Garnish

Fresh basil & parsley

Parmesan cheese optional garnish
Heavy cream

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Wash and cut tomatoes.
3. Place tomatoes, garlic, onion, bell pepper, olive oil, salt, pepper and dried herbs on a large pan. Roast 25 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes. Turn oven to broil and broil 3-4 minutes or until some of the tomatoes get a little bit of char color on them.

4. Bring chicken broth to a boil, add tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Using a blender, blend mixture until smooth and creamy. 

5. (optional) Add some cream if the tomatoes are extra tart, most often nice ripe tomatoes won't require the cream. Taste the soup once blended and decide if you'd like to add the cream. Stir in a little at a time.

6. Top with parmesan cheese, croutons or a drizzle of heavy cream to serve.