Toward the end of summer I was tomato-obsessed, going to the farmers’ market to buy tomatoes by the half-bushel almost every other week. Since, as I’m sure you can well imagine, it’s not possible for two people to go through all those tomatoes (despite my summer salad obsession), I had a few adventures in canning.
I know, I’m a terrible food blogger for not sharing my canning experiences on the blog, lol. But sometimes I just want to make a dish, eat a meal, or play around in the kitchen without having my camera at the ready, waiting for perfect lighting and thinking about the right angle, composition, etc.
Getting in the kitchen and cooking without a care in the world is relaxing and therapeutic, and I find this to be especially true of things like canning. Preserving fresh produce at the peak of its season ties us simultaneously to local foods, farmers, and simpler times. 
As I was canning perfectly ripe summer tomatoes, I was thinking about colder days that lay ahead. I saw summer’s beauty in them and I knew they’d be delicious long after summer had faded away.
This is my wintertime tomato soup, which differs significantly from my bright-flavored, sweet/tart summer tomato soup. This winter version is a more subtle variation of tomato’s beautiful flavor, but with a drizzle of homemade pesto on top (which freezes like a dream!), it really is a lovely reminder of warmer days. This soup is creamy (without a drop of cream), rich (but not heavy), and incredibly comforting. Use the best tomatoes you can find for great flavor and a beautiful blushing color. It brings the warmth and comfort of summer to a cold day.
In honor of World AIDS Day on December 1, this post is dedicated to remembering those who have died, and comforting all who have lost someone dear to them. I don’t think I’ve ever shared this on my blog, but during the year between college and law school, I worked as a case manager for people with HIV and AIDS. I had the opportunity to meet all kinds of people from all walks of life. They made me laugh and cry on a daily basis. I learned their stories, met their families, saw how their diagnosis intertwined throughout their lives…sometimes just barely scratching the surface of a life, and sometimes completely taking over a life, like a strong-rooted, unyielding weed choking out a beautiful flower garden. Their lives touched my heart in so many ways. I lost three clients in the timespan of eight months.
One of my clients was diagnosed with HIV after her husband had been unfaithful to her. She was an amazing lady…a devoted mother, a hard worker, smart, strong, and beautiful, both inside and out. When I think of her, it is nearly impossible not to feel a rush of both happy and sad emotions all over again…she will never stop inspiring me.
I want to thank Angela from Spinach Tiger for inviting me to participate in this event. Please stop by her beautiful blog and read her post on remembering.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (I used 2%), warmed slightly
- 1 quart (4 cups) crushed tomatoes, with juices
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 soft vegetable bouillon cubes
- 1½ teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pesto, for garnish (optional)
- Melt the butter and oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add the onion and cook until softened but not browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in the flour and cook 1 minute; slowly stream in the milk while whisking constantly. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, Italian herb seasoning, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring up to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and then turn the heat off.
- Remove the bay leaf and puree the soup using an immersion blender (or puree it in batches in a regular blender). Taste and season with additional salt as desired.
- To serve, transfer to serving bowls and drizzle pesto on top, if using.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
Rosa says
November 24, 2012 at 6:44 amLuscious looking! That creamy tomato soup must taste really good.
Cheers,
Rosa
Amy (Savory Moments) says
November 24, 2012 at 8:00 amThat’s one of the best things about canning. Sealing up some of summer’s flavors and releasing them later in the year. I love homemade tomato soup!
angela@spinachtiger says
November 24, 2012 at 8:53 amFaith, thank you. I am touched by what you wrote, your compassion and your “remembering.” Of course your food is always wonderful and a creamy winter soup is the very thing that touches the soul, is comforting, as are your words.
Joan Nova says
November 24, 2012 at 8:53 amA lovely recipe, photos and narrative about your experience.
Erica says
November 24, 2012 at 10:17 amSo, I’m a tomato soup fanatic. When we go to a restaurant and its on the menu, I have a VERY hard time not ordering it! I never make it at home because Josh doesn’t like tomato soup!
Michele | Cooking At Home says
November 24, 2012 at 10:54 amWhat lovely thoughts you expressed, Faith. And how great it is to be able to make such a comforting soup from your bounty of summer. Enjoy.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
November 24, 2012 at 11:25 amTomato soup is one of my favorites, this looks like a dream! Touched by your compasssion, xo!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
November 24, 2012 at 7:06 pmI absolutely love the look of this soup!
Ashley - Baker by Nature says
November 24, 2012 at 8:04 pmThis soup looks perfect for the chilly nights heading our way!
Chaya says
November 24, 2012 at 8:24 pmThis is the ultimate of comfort food, another of your recipes, I want to make. I made two for our Sabbath and both were devoured by my guest.
Krista says
November 25, 2012 at 1:14 pmI’m always looking for a good tomato soup recipe! Thanks for posting…:)
Girlnpurpledres says
November 25, 2012 at 6:34 pmYUM I love tomato soup – there was a time where I was eating tomato & basil soup almost everyday for so long now I can only have it once a month!! It is definitely one of my favourite soups. Beautiful photos Faith x
Evelyne@cheapethniceatz says
November 26, 2012 at 2:32 pmThis is a comforting soup in cold days. and I so agree cooking just for cooking is a relief sometimes. Great contribution for World AIDS Day.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
November 26, 2012 at 10:36 pmAmazing! This looks so hearty and comforting! And I totally know what you mean about cooking without taking the photos – sometimes you just need those days where you cook without a care in the world instead of wondering about presentation and all that other annoying stuff.
Kate@Diethood says
November 27, 2012 at 9:47 amBeautiful contribution.
Your soup looks incredible. Love those photos!
Debra says
January 4, 2013 at 1:25 pmJust made your soup with tomatoes I’d frozen last summer. It is THE best tomato soup recipe I’ve found! I made a few changes, but for the most part, I did what you recommended. As a side note, I served the soup with Triple Grilled Cheese baguettes – a very nice complement. I’d be glad to share the recipe if you’re interested. This recipe is a definite keeper!
Faith says
January 5, 2013 at 9:16 amDebra, I’m so happy you enjoyed the soup! Your Triple Grilled Cheese Baguettes sound like the perfect complement; thank you so much for offering, I would love the recipe! Please feel free to share it here in the comments so other people can see it as well, or if you prefer, feel free to email it to me at faith {at} anediblemosaic {dot} com. Thanks again, I’m excited to see it!