Rosemary Lawler’s winning recipe combines two practical ingredients: the recipe author’s abundant crop of tomatoes, and regional seafood. Because this is 2 recipes in one, we made an exception to the contest’s 10-ingredient rule.
MAKE AHEAD: The stewed tomatoes make a nice, simple accompaniment to grilled chicken and corn on the cob. They can be frozen for up to 1 year. The soup is best assembled on the same day it will be served.
8 servings
For the stewed tomatoes
4 cups peeled and seeded ripe tomatoes (any kind), in large chunks or halves (see NOTE)
1/2 medium onion, minced
2 ribs celery with leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
1 bay leaf
2 whole cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 chopped basil leaves
For the soup
1 ear corn
5 cups stewed tomatoes (see above)
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
Scant 1/2 cup flour
4 cups light cream or half-and-half
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 to 2 cups raw or cooked seafood, such as crabmeat, lobster chunks or jumbo shrimp (peeled, de-veined and cut in chunks)
Basil leaves, cut in strips, for garnish
For the stewed tomatoes: Combine the tomatoes, onion, celery, celery seed, bay leaf, cloves, salt, pepper and basil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Discard the cloves and bay leaf. The yield will be about 5 cups.
For the soup: Strip the kernels from the ear of corn and reserve.
Cut the cob in chunks; submerge them in the stewed tomatoes. Cook (over medium-low heat) for 10 minutes, stirring almost constantly. Discard the cob pieces.
Use an immersion (stick) blender to puree the stewed tomatoes, or puree in batches in a blender (making sure to remove the center knob in the lid so steam can escape; place a dish towel over the opening).
Melt the butter in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until well incorporated, to form a roux; cook for a few minutes, whisking, until the roux begins to darken slightly.
Slowly whisk in the cream or half-and-half to form a smooth, thick soup base.
Add the pureed tomatoes and Parmesan cheese; stir until well blended.
Add the reserved corn kernels and seafood to taste; cook (over medium heat) ,stirring almost constantly until the seafood is heated or cooked through, depending on which seafood you chose.
Divide among individual bowls; serve immediately, garnished with the basil.
NOTE: To peel tomatoes, use a sharp knife to score a shallow “X” on the bottom of each one. Place in very hot or boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes, then drain. When cool enough to handle, discard the loosened skins.
Rosemary Lawler of Leesburg.