A seasoned and pureed brick of cream cheese adds creaminess to this soup of baked tomatoes in beef broth. Garnish before serving with chopped parsley.
INGREDIENTS (for 1 servings):
- 2 (29 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, chopped
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 8 cups beef stock
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
PREPARATION:
Place the tomatoes with juice in a well buttered oven-proof baking dish. Mix in celery, garlic, and red pepper. Cover, and bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 25 minutes.
In a large stock pot, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and onions, and cook and stir for about 8 minutes.
Slowly stir in flour and sugar. Add beef stock, basil, rosemary, and thyme, stirring until soup comes to a boil. Add the contents of the baked tomato pan from the oven, and bring to a boil. Cover, and simmer the soup for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a food processor, blend the cream cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Slowly stir the cream cheese into the soup. Garnish with chopped parsley.