Adapted from an Organic Gardening my folks had when I was a kid...
2 T. plus 2 T. olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
5 medium tomatoes
2 T. tomato paste
2 T. flour
2 c. soy stock (2 c. water; 1 T. soy sauce; 1 t. seasoned salt
½ c. half & half or light cream
fresh or dried herbs
Bring large saucepan of water to boil and fill sink with 2-4” cold water. Dunk tomatoes in boiling water for 20-30 seconds, then remove with a fork and plunge immediately into cold water. Pull skins off tomatoes, cut in half (cut between stem end and blossom end), and remove seeds with finger. Coarsely chop tomatoes.
Heat 2 T. oil in saucepan and add onion and garlic; cook over low heat about a minute. Add tomatoes, increase heat, and cook “briskly” for 5 minutes. Mix tomato paste, flour, and remaining 2 T. oil in a small bowl. Remove pan from stove and stir in tomato paste mixture. Stir in stock and herbs (I like fresh basil best). Return to heat and simmer gently 15 minutes. Run through blender, about 3 cups at a time, until all is blended. Add half & half and more seasoning to taste.
