“Sopa Cremosa de Tomate e queijos”

When I was growing up, soups were always served regularly before dinner (as a first course), but later, big dinners were abolished. Instead, people started eating lighter meals for dinner,  just soups, or something small. Lunch was the main meal, that was when everyone came home from school and work. With everyone’s busy schedules, it didn’t work to have two big meals and besides there was always an afternoon coffee snack.

This is one of my favorite soups to make and a great way to use up all the ripe and sweet tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds very ripe Roma tomatoes cut into quarters.
• 2 garlic cloves– minced
• 1 shallot finely chopped
• 1 carrot cut into small pieces
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola or Blue cheese.
• 1 bunch of fresh Basil–chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Place tomatoes in a cookie sheet and drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt and pepper, and roast for 30 minutes.
2. While tomatoes are in the oven, heat butter and olive oil in a pot. Add shallots, garlic, carrots, salt, and pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Then add vegetable stock, tomato paste, and cover. Let it cook over medium heat until carrots are very soft. Turn heat to low and keep it at low heat until tomatoes are done.
3. When tomatoes are done, add them to pot; cover and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then, smooth the soup with an immersion blender, and add ricotta and cream. Gently stir over medium heat until bubbly. Turn heat to low add and the bunch of fresh basil saving some for garnish.
4. Garnish soup bowls with fresh basil and crumbled Gorgonzola.

Enjoy with slices of sourdough bread!