Purée Mongole

This recipe presents a delicious tomato-based soup with a rich and flavorful twist. By combining canned tomatoes with aromatic spices, a variety of vegetables, and a well-beaten egg, this soup becomes a hearty and satisfying dish. The addition of reduced vinegar lends a unique tangy note to the overall flavor profile.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 can of tomatoes
• 2 cups of strong vegetable broth
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 slice of onion
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 allspice berries
• 3 cloves
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of reduced vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of boiled peas
• 1 tablespoon of canned string beans, split in half
• 1 stalk of cooked celery, shredded into thin strips (two inches long)
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 well-beaten egg

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. COOK TOMATOES AND VEGETABLE BROTH: In a saucepan, combine 1 can of tomatoes and 2 cups of strong vegetable broth.
2. ADD AROMATICS: Add 1 stalk of celery, 1 slice of onion, 1 bay leaf, 3 allspice berries, 3 cloves, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. SIMMER: Let the mixture simmer slowly for half an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
4. STRAIN AND PRESS: After simmering, pour the liquid through a sieve. Press the tomato through the sieve to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids, including the celery.
5. ADD VINEGAR AND VEGETABLES: Return the liquid to the saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon of reduced vinegar, 1 tablespoon of boiled peas, 1 tablespoon of canned string beans (split in half), and the cooked stalk of celery (shredded into thin strips, two inches long).
6. SIMMER AGAIN: Let the soup simmer for an additional five minutes to heat the added ingredients.
7. SEASON AND ADD BUTTER: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to enhance the flavor and richness.
8. REMOVE FROM HEAT: Remove the saucepan from the heat source.
9. BEAT IN EGG: In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg until well-beaten. Gradually and vigorously stir the beaten egg into the soup. This step adds a creamy texture and richness to the soup.

TIPS:

• Vegetable Broth: Use a strong and flavorful vegetable broth as the base for this soup. You can prepare homemade vegetable broth or use a high-quality store-bought version.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preference. Remember that canned tomatoes may vary in salt content, so it’s essential to season carefully.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences and what’s available in your kitchen. This soup can be a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
• Egg Tempering: When adding the beaten egg to the soup, it’s crucial to vigorously stir it in to create a creamy consistency without any scrambled egg-like textures. Stir continuously to achieve a smooth result.
• Serve Warm: This tomato and vegetable soup is best served warm. Consider garnishing it with fresh herbs like parsley or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of flavor.

This tomato-based vegetable soup is a delightful and wholesome option for a comforting meal. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among soup enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a complete meal, this soup is sure to please your palate.