Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (1/4 lb.) unsalted butter
• 6 onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 (14 oz.) cans Italian plum tomatoes with their juice
• 4 (13.75 oz.) cans chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 (7 oz.) jars roasted red peppers, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Pernod or other anise-flavored liqueur, optional
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel

Preparation:

In a Dutch oven or other large, heavy pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add plum tomatoes and their juice, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes; bring to a boil; then simmer for 5 minutes. Add red peppers, Pernod (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil; then simmer for 5 minutes longer. In a bowl, stir together sour cream and lemon peel. Cover and refrigerate. Strain soup into a large bowl. Puree strained solids in batches in a blender or food processor, adding soup liquid to blend. Strain again over the same bowl and discard solids. Wipeout Dutch oven, add soup and bring to a simmer. Strain soup into a serving bowl, dollop sour cream on top and garnish with thyme.

Nutritional Information: Calories:313, Fat:20g (sat 11g), Protein:6g, Carbohydrate:25g, Fiber:5g, Cholesterol:51mg, Sodium:1mg