SIMPLY ELEGANT TOMATO SOUP

Simply Elegant Tomato Soup image

If you've only had tomato soup from a can, you're going to be blown away when you try a bowl of this. It's velvety, creamy and oh, so good! -Heidi Blanken, Sedro-Woolley, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings (1 quart).

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

4 pounds tomatoes (about 10 medium)
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons minced chives, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups half-and-half cream

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring 8 cups water to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, place tomatoes, 1 at a time, in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Remove each tomato and immediately plunge in ice water. Peel and quarter tomatoes; remove seeds., In another large saucepan, melt butter. Add tomatoes, 2 tablespoons chives, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 6-7 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat. Cool slightly., In a blender, process soup until blended. Return to the pan. Stir in cream; heat through. Sprinkle each serving with remaining chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 268 calories, Fat 16g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 68mg cholesterol, Sodium 693mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 8g protein.