Fresh Tomato Soup Ala Terri

Directions

Bouquet Garni - In a piece of cheesecloth, tie the following: 3 to 4 sprigs of parsley, 1 bay leaf, ½ celery stalk with leaves, ½ teaspoon dry thyme and 1 teaspoon fresh marjoram.

Leave the string long enough to hang the garni in the pot and tie the string to the pot handle for easy removal.

Drop the tomatoes into boiling water for 1 minute.

Drain and peel.

Chop coarsely and reserve. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and oil.

Add the onion and cook over low heat until lightly browned.

Add the remaining butter. When the butter is melted, add the flour and cook until it is golden brown.

Be careful not to burn it! Add the chopped tomatoes stirring constantly.

Then add the boiling water, Bouquet Garni, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer the soup for 35 minutes.

Remove the soup from the heat. Remove the Bouquet.

Cool the soup and purée it in the blender. If it seems too thick, thin it out with a little chicken stock or water.

Serve the soup in individual bowls, each topped with 1 tablespoon sour cream and a sprinkling of dill.

Notes: For a hearty soup, omit the sour cream and substitute cooked rice.