i get by with a little help from my vitamix…

A few months ago, after moving into our new apartment, Boyfriend & I received a Vitamix as a housewarming gift. It’s been getting a workout the past few days, as I’m now back on a smoothie/shake kick. The other night, this lovely little contraption was a huge help in our dinner creation: creamy tomato soup with fresh basil. We paired it with tomato, spinach, and mozzarella paninis. Is this a vegetarian’s dream or what?

Dinners like this are what I call “accidentally vegetarian”. More often than not, Boyfriend & I will make two different versions of things but sometimes a vegetarian meal is just so good on its own that it doesn’t even need meat! I know what you meat-eaters are probably thinking. But it feels good to come up with a dinner that stands on its own.

I mean, right?

Anyway, if I’m being honest, I’ll confess that I almost ruined this soup by putting in way. too. much. salt. But here’s a trick- if you ever put in too much salt, balance it out with more neutral ingredients (in this case, I just added more tomatoes), pepper, or cream-based ingredients. Sometimes a dish is just not salvageable  but it’s always good to experiment a little before throwing in the towel.

If you don’t have a vitamix, you can use a regular blender, food processor, or immersion blender for the recipe below. Or, if you have the patience, you can always crush the tomatoes by hand with a potato masher or avocado tool.

My favorite rule when it comes to soups or sauces: the longer it cooks, the better it tastes!

Now that I’ve made myself want to eat soup at 7:30am, I might as well post the recipe:

Vitamix’s Creamy Tomato Soup 

You will need…

• olive oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes OR 1 15-oz can of diced tomatoes 
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• salt, pepper
• 1/3 cup light cream
• 1/4 cup chopped basil, more for garnish

Equipment Needed:

• Vitamix

Method…

1. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over med-high heat. Add onion & garlic and cook approx 5 minutes until onions are softened. Transfer to the Vitamix, along with the tomatoes and basil. Turn on variable 1, slowly working your way to 10. Blend for 2 mins. Lower the dial back to 1. Transfer mixture back to your pot.
2. Add broth, spices, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approx 20 minutes. 
3. Remove bay leaves from soup.  Slowly add cream, stirring while you pour it in. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!

Reader Question: What is your favorite type of soup to eat in the winter?

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