CREAMY TOMATO SOUP WITH FENNEL AND DILL

Steps:

• In a large stockpot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium high-high heat.
• Add chopped onion and fresh fennel (if using) along with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. If using fennel seed instead, add that now.
• Saute onions until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
• Add carrot and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
• Pour in chicken broth. Then add plum tomatoes (with the juices), diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1 tablespoon of the parmesan cheese.
• Using a wooden spoon, break up the plum tomatoes.
• Add 1-2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper.
• Bring to a boil then, reduce heat to simmer and cover.
• Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring every now and then to ensure even heat distribution.
• Add the dill and heavy cream and stir to combine. Add 1-2 tablespoons of remaining parmesan, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Adjust seasonings to taste.
• Take soup off heat and CAREFULLY! blend in food processor or with a stick blender.
• Process to desired consistency.
• Enjoy alone, or with crusty fresh bread.
• Yum! :).
• *** If using fresh fennel, only use the fennel bulb, not the stalks or fronds. Cut the bulb in half, cut out core and discard. Cut fennel into medium dice and add to soup where directed.