Carla's Tomato Soup

Ingredients for Carla's Tomato Soup

• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 6 medium shallots, thinly sliced

• 1 medium fennel bulb, thinly sliced

• Kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional)

• 2 (800g) cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 6 slices thick country-style bread

• Flaky sea salt

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a Dutch oven or other large heavy pot over medium-low. Add shallots and sliced fennel and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft and just beginning to take on colour, 20 minutes. Add fennel seeds, paprika, and cayenne, if using, and cook, stirring often, until incorporated and very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, crushing them with your hands as you go, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are beginning to fall apart, 25–35 minutes.

Transfer tomato mixture to a blender, add butter and 350ml water, and purée, adding more water if too thick, until smooth (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Taste and season with salt and pepper; return to pot. Keep warm, stirring occasionally, over low heat.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a medium skillet, preferably cast-iron, over medium-low. Fry 2 slices of bread until deep golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and repeat with another 2 slices of bread. Repeat with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and remaining bread. Season with sea salt. Halve toast and serve with soup.

Soup can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.