TOMATO AND FENNEL SOUP

Tomato and Fennel Soup image

Provided by Food Network

Number Of Ingredients 13

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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 pound (about 2 medium) fennel bulbs, chopped, fronds discarded
3 celery ribs, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup Pernod liqueur (optional)
1/2 bunch fresh dill, stems removed (1/4 cup trimmed)
1 tablespoon celery seeds
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 quarts vegetable stock
3 pounds ripe tomatoes, or 3 cups canned peeled whole plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (optional)
Salt to taste

Steps:

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the fennel and cook, stirring, until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the celery, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring, 5 minutes longer to allow the flavors to blend together. Carefully add the Pernod. (Caution! It could flame up.) Add the dill, celery seeds, and pepper. Add the vegetable stock and tomatoes, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let simmer for 40 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat. Process the soup, in batches, in a blender or food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade until smooth. Add the butter, if desired, and stir until melted. Taste and check the seasoning, adding salt if needed.