OLD-FASHIONED TOMATO SOUP

Makes 4 servings.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
Calories: 130; Protein: 4 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Fat: 7 g; Carbohydrate: 14 g; Cholesterol: 0mg


INGREDIENTS :

- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 can (28-oz.) diced tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/8 tsp. ground mace
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup fat-free half-and-half cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp. snipped dill, for garnish (optional)


DIRECTIONS :

Melt the butter in a small Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Saute the onion until translucent, 4 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until the onions are golden, 5 to 6 minutes.

Add the tomatoes with their juices, the sugar, thyme, mace and cayenne. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer the soup until the tomatoes and onion are soft, about 15 minutes.

Let the soup sit 20 minutes, uncovered. Transfer it to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and reduce the mixture to a puree, either pulpy or completely smooth, as desired. Blend in the half-and-half. Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve the soup hot, sprinkling one-fourth of the dill over each bowl, if using.