Tomato-Mint Soup

Summer is over and with the autumnal equinox on September 23, fall is officially here. It is slowly getting chillier and the days are getting shorter. Well that almost marks the end for outdoor grills and pool-side parties; it is the beginning for warm soups and hot ovens.
I had tomato-mint soup in Shanghai and I really liked the flavor combination. This is my version of the soup. Using canned tomatoes makes it convenient and quick cooking.

Ingredients:
Chopped tomatoes – 16 oz. can (I used roasted garlic flavor)
Tomato sauce – 16 oz. can
Mint – 1 cup, chopped (about half a bunch)
Onion – 1 small, chopped
Celery – 1 stalk, chopped
Carrots – 2 medium, diced
Garlic – 1 to 2 cloves
Low-sodium vegetable broth – 16 oz. can
Cayenne pepper sauce/ Hot sauce – 3 tbsp (or to taste)
Sour cream/ Cream – 2 tbsp (optional)
Salt and Pepper – to taste

Method:

• Preheat oven to 450ºF.
• Drain the chopped tomatoes and save the liquid. Roast them with 1 tbsp olive oil for above 15minutes or until slightly caramelized.
• Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a sauce pan; add onions, garlic, carrots and celery. Let the veggies sweat for about 10-15 minutes on medium-low flame.
• Remove the tomatoes from the oven, add the reserved liquid and pick up any bits stuck to the pan.
• Add roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, ¾ cup mint, broth, 1 cup water, hot sauce and seasoning. Raise the flame to medium-high and bring the mixture to a slow simmer. Reduce the flame and cook for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and blend the soup (using an immersion blender or regular blender) to a smooth consistency.
• Put the soup back on flame; add sour cream/cream and cook for another 5 minutes. Add the remaining mint. Stir well, adjust the seasoning and serve hot with crusty bread.