Instructions
Roasting fresh Florida tomatoes first makes all the difference in the world to the hearty flavor of this most delicious tomato soup. Serve with “Italian Style Tomato Toasts.”

2 lbs. firm, ripe, red tomatoes
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 large red onion, peeled & finely diced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 small zucchini, diced
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded & diced
1 10-ounce pkg. frozen whole kernel corn, thawed
1 teaspoon finely minced jalapeno pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
3 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup yogurt

GARNISH:
1 large firm, ripe, red tomato, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt & freshly ground pepper

Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise. Put tomatoes in a foil lined pan and brush 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over the tomato halves. Place under the broiler and roast them, turning with tongs as the skin begins to blacken. This will take about 15 minutes. Remove most of the blackened skin. Pass the roasted tomatoes through a food mill into a small bowl. Set aside.

In a 3-quart saucepan warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and 1 clove of the garlic, sauté until soft. Add zucchini and bell pepper, and cook 2 to 3 minutes without browning. Add corn, jalapeno pepper, paprika, thyme, oregano, and the roasted tomato mixture, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Add chicken stock and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer partially covered for 45 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the remaining garlic and yogurt. Set aside.

For garnish, combine the tomato, olive oil, and vinegar in a bowl. Salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the soup hot; swirl in the yogurt mixture and top with the tomato garnish. Serve with Italian Style Tomato Toasts.

Serves 6