Tomato Soup with Orange & Cumin

By Margannl

What makes this tomato soup extraordinary is the fresh orange and cumin that flavor it; they lend a mysterious, extra-special something to this modern version of a classic. Serves six; yields about 10 cups.

Ingredients

• 1 small yellow onion (5 oz.), peeled and quartered
• 2/3 cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 large orange)
• 1 medium baking potato (9 oz.), peeled and cut into large chunks
• 2 oz. (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 1 Tbs. ground cumin
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 cans (28 oz. each) peeled whole tomatoes (without basil), with their juices
• 1 Tbs. packed finely grated orange zest (from 1 large orange)
• 1 Tbs. kosher salt; more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Snipped fresh chives for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Put the onion, orange juice, potato, butter, cumin, bay leaves, and 3 cups water in a large (at least 4-quart) saucepan. Cover, bring to a boil over high heat, and reduce to a simmer. Cook until a skewer easily pierces the potato, 15 to 20 min. Add the tomatoes with their juices and the orange zest. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a steady, low simmer, and cook, uncovered, until the potato chunks are falling apart, another 20 min. Discard the bay leaves. Purée the soup with an hand blender, stand blender, or food processor. Strain through a medium sieve; discard the contents of the sieve. Season with salt and pepper. If not serving immediately, let cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Heat gently, adjust the salt and pepper as needed, garnish with the chives, and serve.