Tasty Tuesday Everliving Tomato Soup

Everliving Tomato Soup for
Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Everliving Tomato Soup

Nikki from Everneath by Brodi Ashton never wants to feel emotions again after her mother dies in--that's why she allows everliving Cole to take her to the underworld, where he drains her of the despair and sadness. Perhaps if she had just made some comfort food, she wouldn't have made such a rash decision. Nothing beats tomato soup for soothing emotions. This hearty and creamy soup is full of vegetables and laced with cream. Careful when sampling the soup--not only will it fill your belly, but it's creamy goodness is likely to drive away any bad emotions.

1 tsp olive oil
2 celery sticks, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, chopped
2 14 oz. cans of stewed tomatoes
3 cups chicken broth
1 tsp lemon juice
4 tsp butter
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup half and half
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
fresh chopped basil and oregano, to taste

In a saucepan, heat olive oil and saute celery, carrots, onion, and garlic. Put stewed tomatoes in a crockpot, then add the sautéed vegetables, chicken broth and lemon juice. Cook on low for 5-7 hours.

When the soup is fully cooked, make a roux by melting the butter in a small saucepan on medium heat, then add the flour and mix.  Slowly add the half and half until the mixture is creamy. Add parmesan cheese and mix until combined.

If you want the soup to be smooth, blend it and return it to the crockpot. Add the roux slowly, mixing to combine. Add fresh basil and oregano to taste.

Cook for one hour longer in the crockpot on low.
Serve with a swirl of half and half.