4 3/4 lbs. fully ripened fresh Florida tomatoes, peeled, seeded, divided 3 oz. unsalted butter 12 oz. onion, small dice 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 oz. flour 1 qt. chicken stock or broth 1 cup orange juice 1/4 tsp. sugar Salt, to taste Ground black pepper, to taste Hot pepper sauce, to taste
Cut 3 3/4 lbs. tomatoes in large dice; cut remaining 1 lb. in small dice; set aside.
In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions and garlic, cook until tender but not browned. Stir in flour; cook for 2 minutes longer.
Stir in large-dice tomatoes, stock and orange juice. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until tomatoes are very soft, about 15 minutes.
Remove saucepan from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend soup until smooth.
Stir in small-dice tomatoes and sugar. Season to taste with salt, black pepper and hot pepper sauce. Return to heat and simmer to blend flavors, about 5 minutes. Serve garnished with thinly sliced orange and a basil leaf, if desired.
Recipe from Steven Barnhart, Kendall College, Evanston, IL., Photo by the Florida Tomato Commission.
4 3/4 lbs. fully ripened fresh Florida tomatoes, peeled, seeded, divided