Nantucket Tomato Soup

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and minced
• 3 ribs celery, minced
• 12 vine-ripened large beefsteak tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 4 to 5 cups chicken broth, preferably homemade
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil leaves

1. Heat the butter and oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook uncovered until the vegetables are soft and translucent, 15 minutes more.

2. Add the tomatoes to the pot and toss to combine with the vegetables. Add the white wine and enough chicken broth to make a thick soup consistency. Let simmer uncovered 40 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Puree half the soup in a blender or food processor and combine with the original mixture. If using cream, add it when pureeing the soup. Reheat the soup and stir in the basil just before serving. Serve the soup hot; although if it is Indian Summer weather, the soup is quite delicious at room temperature.

Makes 8 to 10 servings

from Cold Weather Cooking