Italian Tomato Soup (Zuppa di Pomodoro) in a Crock Pot

I guess I am a collector of Tomato Soups.  I never really considered it before, but in checking my ongoing list of "52 Soup Recipes", this is my 5th and I have at least one more planned.  Each is different  creamy, spicy, blue cheese kick, vegetable bisque... And now an authentic Italian recipe using the Soffritto as the flavoring, fresh Italian herbs and even a mixture in texture with the late minute addition of chopped Sun Dried Tomatoes.

Of course one of the reasons I became an accidental collector, Tomato Soup is Great!

Bright colorful, filled with flavors and delicious.  and of course this does not disappoint.  The long simmer in the crock pot brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the carrot.  The savory Italian seasonings add a pizza sauce flavor and the texture of the extra layer of Sun Dried Tomatoes sets this apart from the rest!

And just wanted to take a second and show off a terrific sandwich that paired with the soup... Soup and Sandwich, just rolls off the tongue, but I digress...

BACON BACON BACON and a Cheddar cheese sauced grilled cheese for a great dip-able sandwich!  A great soup needs a great sandwich!

Here's what I did...

Crock Pot Rich Italian Tomato Soup 

(Zuppa di Pomodoro)

Ingredients

• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 1 Medium Red onion, Chopped
• 2 Stalks Celery, Chopped
• 1 Large Carrot, Chopped
• 4 Cloves Garlic
• 1/4 Cup Flat Leaf Parsley, Chopped
• A couple of Pinches Salt and Pepper
• 1 LARGE (28 OZ) Can Peeled Tomatoes in water (of course you can make this with whole fresh tomatoes, but that's a different recipe)
• 1 tsp Fresh Oregano
• 6 Large Basil Leaves, cut into ribbons
• 1 Small Can Tomato Paste
• 4 OZ Sun Dried Tomatoes, packed in Oil, Minced

Cooking Directions

1. Break out your large crock pot, set on low.
2. Add the tomatoes and start them simmering
3. Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat the Olive Oil over medium heat. Add the Onions, Celery and Carrots, Saute for about 5 minutes, until the onions begin to soften and change color
4. Add the Garlic and Parsley and saute for another couple of minutes. This is making a fresh Soffritto, if you had some in the fridge, use 1 cup.
5. Add the Soffritto to the crock pot, stir to combine, add salt and pepper and close the lid for 4 hours, allowing everything to simmer.
6. Break out the hand blender (or in stages, use a stand blender or food processor, Puree until smooth.
7. Add the Oregano, Basil, tomato paste and the sun dried tomatoes, stir to combine. Return to HIGH in the crock pot, lid on for one hour
8. Optional... Puree one more time to remove the chunks from the sun dried tomatoes. If you like a variety of textures, only stir the soup, leaving a bit of chunk in the soup.
9. Serve HOT and ENJOY

It's a winner!

Love the extra thick texture, the addition of the pizza spices and of course all the rich taste of tomatoes.

Heart warming indeed.

*************************************************************************

So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Recipes for Soup, Chili or Chowder" (Now more than 52 and still growing)

Soup from Scratch is one of the great kitchen joys.  The house smells amazing and the soup warms to the bone.  From broth to chowder, vegetarian to loaded up chili... Even a great idea for a party (love the Potato Soup Bar idea).  Come take a look, sure to have something you might like to try.  All recipes have been tested and WORK!

*************************************************************************

So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Authentic Italian Recipes"!!!

Well over 52 recipes actually as I just can't stop. The world's most popular cuisine, authentic, natural, organic, Farm to Table... the Italians started, perfected or embraced it before it became a fad. This page is a guide to Italian Cooking... For the home cook!  So, Cin Cin (toast) and Buon Appetito (Enjoy your Meal) to you all and let's Cook authentic Italian!

****************************PINTEREST**************************

Come and find me on Pinterest... Any of my "52 Ways to cook" Boards are worth following.  If you like this post, please take a second and "Pin" this to your own boards... Better yet, if you are part of a foodie group board please take a second and add this post to your group pins... best way to show your Love!

And BTW, if you are not yet part of a group board, drop me an email at Contact@eRecipeCards.com and request to be added to my group board... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! (be sure to include your pinterest ID when you write)  Once you are added, any pins you add will be seen by 10s of THOUSANDS of followers of the board (and growing daily).

Rules, only 2... 

1. In order to join you need to start following the group board as well as at least one of my boards.
2. And you must ONLY pin original sources, posts from food related bloggers only.  If you are a blogger, this is a great way to have thousands of potential readers see your work,  If you are a fan of bloggers, a great way to share your favorites...
   Come and be a part of ... FAVORITE FOOD BLOGGERS! on Pinterest