Ingredients
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3 Tbsp unsalted butter
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1 cup onion, diced
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3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
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5 cups chicken stock (use low-sodium)
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56 oz whole peeled plum tomatoes, with juices (2 × 28-oz cans)
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp dried dill
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3 Tbsp heavy cream (chilled if possible)
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1 pinch sugar
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1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
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1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Melt & Sauté: In a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add diced onion and a small pinch of salt; sauté 5 minutes until translucent and sweet.
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Build a Blond Roux: Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 5 minutes until lightly blond and toasty (not brown).
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Add Stock & Thicken: Gradually whisk in chicken stock to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook about 10 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened.
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Tomatoes & Herbs: Add whole peeled tomatoes with their juices, thyme, and dill. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
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Purée Silky-Smooth: Turn off heat. Blend directly in the pot with an immersion blender until perfectly smooth (or leave some texture for rustic style). Keep the blender head submerged to prevent splatters.
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Finish & Balance: Return to low heat. Stir in heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust: more salt for depth, a touch more sugar if acidic, or a splash of stock if too thick. Serve hot.
Notes
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Ingredient note: Whole peeled plum tomatoes taste brighter and less metallic than pre-puréed sauces; the immersion blender gives a smooth finish without extra dishes.
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Equipment: Cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring cups & spoons, immersion blender, large pan or Dutch oven.
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Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken stock for vegetable stock.
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Ultra-silky option: Strain through a fine mesh sieve after blending.
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Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently; whisk in a splash of stock if needed.
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Serving ideas: Pair with grilled cheese, garlic croutons, or a drizzle of basil oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 820 mg (approx.)
- Fat: 25 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 14 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg (approx.)