Tomato Carrot Soup-(Two versions in one)

 Winter is always harsh on me. My system gives in easily. I was predicting myself getting unwell with the onset of October. Out here in Chennai, it is not that chilly to sport huge overcoats or jackets but cold enough to eat and stuff oneself with hot fried fritters, soups and the works.

After my recent travel to the north and back, I got unwell and am still coughing. I hate the sound of an asthmatic whistle. At times it is so annoying because my ears adjust their antennae to tune in to that frequency and the whistle seems louder. I have been experimenting with a few soups and its various avatars and accompaniments of late.

One such simple soup is the one I am going to talk about. The past month, the supermarket near my home started handing out free one kilo packs of tomatoes or onions when we cross the Rs.1000/- mark of purchases with them for that moment. So it was tomatoes galore at home!!!

 Took round three medium sized ones and after washing them well, chopped them and boiled them in sufficient water along with chunks of a large carrot, a sliced onion, a tbsp. of pepper corns, three cloves of chopped garlic, salt to taste and a bay leaf or two. Once they cooked through for a while, they were drained well in a strainer. Do not throw the water in which those veggies have cooked in. You can see that orange liquid in the first picture. That is full of nutrients!

Once these drained veggies have cooled, remove the bay leaves and the pepper corns( I have left the pepper corns as I wanted that heat and spice) grind them well in a food processor using the water that you had saved earlier on or more water if required. It may be strained once again before it is placed on the stove to cook and come to a boil again. I did not strain it as I feel it is better like this. I did not want  very clear liquid.

 On the stove, in a skillet add a tbsp. of butter or no butter and lightly toss a few bread squares/croutons like so. I have kept the ends of the bread, feel free to discard them if you wish especially for presentation.

 I prefer to keep them like so as I know it is just the husband and I having this hot soup during this rainy day and there need not be any kind of pretensions between us.

 Once they are tossed and crisp, set them aside to garnish the finished soup.

Now back to our soup, once the veggies are processed drizzle them once again into a deep bottom vessel in which a tbsp. of butter or oil is heating. Along with the saved water if there is any left, let the soup boil through again. Dilute the soup if required, add a tsp. of corn flour to the soup to thicken. Add more if required but do adjust the seasoning accordingly. Taste the soup. Stir well. If you are content with the volume, taste and consistency, switch off the flame and serve it with the bread croutons over it.

 You may add a dash of lime if required and grind some fresh pepper over the dish if required.

 I made this soup again another day with a twist by adding some sweet corn as well. I did add a tsp. of chilly vinegar to this second version of the soup as well for that extra punch and some lemon pepper powder.

Had this soup with some fresh garlic knots that I hand kneaded and made.

A drizzle of cream can also be done as a part of the presentation or if you want the soup to look richer. I have skipped that step.

Baby brother dear and SIL if you guys are browsing through this, this bread was made with the yeast sachets that you gave me this time. It is amazing! Grateful indeed!

Will be experimenting on more bread posts soon.

Garlic knots was a part of our Bake along on Fondbites. This was our 48th challenge and I am really elated to say but for around five, I am positive I have baked them all. The ones that I haven't baked thus far might spell "too sweet for my liking" or "don't think my family would enjoy it" or "too difficult for me to try out."

I know I have miles to go...in the mean time, am enjoying the weather although I am sensitive to the cold, enjoying my soups, the recipes, the trials and the errors and am soooooooooo grateful to be alive!!!

http://www.fondbites.com/bake-along-48-garlic-knots/ (Here is the recipe link for the garlic knots!) That was indeed a knotty affair :) loved doing them