What do you call a girl who came into your life suddenly and became your absolute BFF.. your chaddi buddy...your sister..your unflinching supporter and your giggle partner???
Sonali, my best friend...you came into life suddenly and made it so much prettier and meaningful with your friendship...
Till this day, I miss you... miss the way you used to put your arms around me..miss your sudden 1000 watt smile..miss your tenacity and the ferocious way you protected me...
Till this day, I miss you... miss the way you used to put your arms around me..miss your sudden 1000 watt smile..miss your tenacity and the ferocious way you protected me...
Loved everything you brought into my life...and now, although over 14 yrs have passed since you moved on to a better place, I miss you.. I look for you in every friend I make..but still I miss you and your love.
This particular Soup is nothing extraordinary...Its not roasted or toasted... there's nothing fancy schmancy about it, its not made of carrots or red bell pepper..
Its a simple Classic Tomato Soup...
Pure, Unadulterated ,just like you were. ..and just like aunty used to make for us.
Pure, Unadulterated ,just like you were. ..and just like aunty used to make for us.
Its your classic Tomato soup... The stuff that will make you feel warm inside, just like she did to me..
Will miss you, forever and ever,
Love,
Your Swayam
Love,
Your Swayam
RECIPE:
Ingredients For the soup:
Ingredients For the soup:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium onion, medium dice
Salt as per taste
4-5 medium garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can whole peeled tomatoes in their juices, preferably San Marzanos.
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1/3 cup cream
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 medium onion, medium dice
Salt as per taste
4-5 medium garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can whole peeled tomatoes in their juices, preferably San Marzanos.
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1/3 cup cream
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes (alone or in combination):
Extra-virgin olive oil
4 fresh basil leaves, julienne
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Croutons
Extra-virgin olive oil
4 fresh basil leaves, julienne
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Croutons
1. Place a medium saucepan over medium-low heat and add the oil and butter. When the butter melts, add the onion and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is completely soft, about 15 minutes. (If at any point the onion looks like it’s beginning to brown, reduce the heat.) Add the garlic and optional red pepper flakes and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
2. Increase the heat to medium and add the tomatoes and their juices to the pan. Roughly crush the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon and cook until they’re hot and beginning to soften, about 10 minutes. Add the broth or water and bring to a simmer. Cook at a medium simmer until the tomatoes begin to fall apart, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove the soup from the heat and cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Purée the soup directly in the saucepan using an immersion blender, or use a counter top blender, carefully puréeing the soup in a couple of batches until smooth.
4.Return the soup to the burner over low heat and stir in the cream. Add black pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Serve in warmed bowls, as is or topped with the garnishes of your choice.
Notes: San Marzanos are a plum tomato variety with thick flesh, relatively few seeds, and a sweeter, less acidic flavor than other tomato varieties. Canned San Marzanos are widely available at supermarkets and Italian groceries..and online shopping stores.You can of course use regular tomatoes..I simply used San Marzano can coz I had been dying to use the one I got :)
