Domatosoupa

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1largeMild Spanish onion finely chopped
1mediumLeek washed & finely chopped
3tablespoonsFruity olive oil
poundsTomatoes; skinned, seeded and finely chopped
3Sun-dried tomatoes snipped up & soaked in...
2tablespoonsChopped fresh thyme; OR... Dried thyme
2Bay leaves
2tablespoonsFresh marjoram; OR... Dried oregano
1Sprig of fresh parsley
2Strips of lemon zest (about 2-inches long)
½cupBoiling water
1teaspoonSugar
1Garlic clove; minced
½Orange; grated zest only
2tablespoonsFinely chopped fresh mint
cupThick yogurt or sour cream
1tablespoonFlour (heaped)
Salt & freshly ground pepper
½cupMinced flat-leaf parsley
¼poundsOnions
4Garlic cloves
1smallHot dried chili pepper; OR.. Cayenne
10Black peppercorns
1Clove
1smallCinnamon stick
Salt

Directions

HERB BROTH

Prepare the herb broth: Place all ingredients in a saucepan with 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain before using.

To make the soup: In a heavy-bottomed soup pot, saute onion and leek in olive oil until translucent. Add chopped tomato. In a mortar and pestle, pound the sun-dried tomatoes with their liquid to a paste, then add to the pot with the sugar. Continue cooking over a moderately high heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, grated orange zest, and mint, and cook another 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the herb broth, cover, then allow soup to simmer for 30-45 minutes longer. (Soup may be prepared ahead of time up to this point.) In a bowl, mix together yogurt and flour until smooth. Gradually add a spoonful of hot soup, stirring contantly. Add another spoonful of soup, then slowly add yogurt mixture to soup pot, stirring all the while. Continue cooking soup over a gentle heat, stirring, being careful not to let mixture curdle.

Adjust seasonings, then add the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Ms. Jacobs suggests fresh crusty bread, a green salads, olive and feta cheese as suitable accomaniments.

Adapted from a recipe by Susie Jacobs (Recipes from a Greek Island) Typed for you by Karen Mintzias