Recipe

Creole Style Tomato Soup With Goat Cheese Dumplings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped yellow onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped carrots
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons minced garlic
8 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped fresh tomatoes
1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
Vegetable oil, for frying
6 ounces goat cheese, room temperature
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped basil, plus 4 to 6 tablespoons chiffonade, for garnish
12 wonton wrappers
1/4 cup water
Essence
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves
1/2 cup heavy cream

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onions, celery, and carrots. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne. Saute the vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and tomatoes. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preheat the fryer or a heavy saucepot filled no more than halfway with vegetable oil to 375 degrees F. Prepare the dumplings while the soup is simmering and fry just before serving the soup.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, and chopped basil. Mix until the mixture is fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon 1 rounded teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each wonton wrapper. Brush the edges of the wrappers with a small amount water. Bring 2 corners of the wrappers together and press to seal, forming a triangle. Fry the wontons for about 2 minutes each or until the dumplings are golden and crispy. Remove from the fryer and drain on a paper-lined plate. Season the dumplings with Essence, to taste.
Remove the soup from the heat. Using a hand-held blender, puree the soup. Stir in the parsley. Adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper, if needed. Stir in the heavy cream.
Ladle the soup in a shallow bowls. Garnish each bowl with 2 dumplings and a chiffonade of fresh basil.