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A rainy day, a cozy fire, a good book and homemade soup simmering on the stove. Oh yeah…I’m in heaven. Tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food for a cold day, but buying enough canned, condensed tomato soup to satisfy a large family is expensive. Here’s my family size, budget friendly recipe.

Makes about 5 quarts, or 10 one pint servings, for around $7.00.

Price Comparison: To make approximately the same amount using canned, condensed tomato soup with milk, you would spend about $14.

Ingredients

• 2 cups peeled, sliced, fresh carrots
• 2 cups chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 – 6 lb. 6 oz. can tomato sauce
• 2 – 6 oz. cans tomato paste
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 quarts low fat milk

Method

1. Heat oil in large stock pot. Add carrots and onions. Sauté over medium to medium high heat until onions are caramelized, being careful not to burn the onions.
2. Process carrots, onions and water in blender or food processor until smooth. Return to stock pot.
3. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste and sugar. Continue to cook over medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved and tomato sauce is hot.
4. Add milk. Heat, stirring frequently, until soup is desired temperature. Do not allow soup to boil.
5. Serve hot with Herb and Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
6.  Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheat in microwave or stove top.

For maximum savings, buy the large cans of tomato sauce at a club store or restaurant supply.

Enjoy!

Cost and price comparison based on average prices in Southern California as of 2/17/2009.