Grilled Fresh Tomato Soup with Garlic Croutons

Directions

1. Grilled Fresh Tomato Soup
2. Rub tomatoes with olive oil and grill over high heat until blackened in spots and slightly shriveled but still maintaining shape, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
3. Place grilled tomatoes in bowl and cover with plastic wrap until room temperature. Remove and discard the skin from half the tomatoes. Core and discard the stem and hard greenish part underneath all the tomatoes. Puree tomatoes until smooth and set aside.
4. In large saucepan over medium heat melt butter. Add onion, celery, salt and pepper and sauté while stirring occasionally until onion is soft and translucent but not yet brown; about 7-10 minutes.
5. Add garlic and tomato paste and cook until just fragrant; about a minute more.
6. Add pureed grilled tomatoes and water. Raise heat to high and bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer on low heat for an hour. Remove from heat and cool.
7. Puree soup in blender with basil until smooth. Add salt and water as needed for flavor and texture.
8. Reheat and serve warm with garlic croutons (if desired).
9. Store soup in refrigerator for 3-4 days or in freezer for up to 6 months.

1. Garlic Croutons
2. Heat oven to 300 degrees
3. Gently mix bread, salt, black pepper, garlic and olive oil with your hands until bread is well coated with all ingredients.
4. Place croutons on parchment or Silpat lined baking sheet.
5. Bake until croutons are crisp and slightly brown, about 20-30 minutes depending on the bread used.
6. Store croutons in closed container for 1 week at room temperature or for 1 month in the freezer.