Food

Recipe: roasted tomato soup and cornbread croutons

The holiday season is the busiest time of the year, especially in the kitchen when you’re hosting a house full of guests. There’s nothing better to spread cheer and warm spirits during the cold months than gathering around the table for a wholesome hot meal. This holiday, take a tip from a true tastemaker. We asked Chick-fil-A head Chef, Brian Kolodziej for his favorite food to make during the holidays.

“Growing up in New Hampshire, after a day’s work (or play) outside, there was nothing better to warm us up than a batch of soup or chowder, a pot of chili, or even a pot pie.”– Chef Brian Kolodziej

“Growing up in New Hampshire, after a day’s work (or play) outside, there was nothing better to warm us up than a batch of soup or chowder, a pot of chili, or even a pot pie,” Kolodziej said. “Even living in the South, I welcome in the winter season with a fire in the fireplace and hearty comfort foods.”

Kolodziej is a classically trained chef with a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Whales University. But when he’s not mastering the flavors on the Chick-fil-A menu, he’s cooking for his family at home, too.

Chef Brian shared the recipe for his favorite comfort food – Roasted Tomato Soup – that he says any at-home cook can master!

Ingredients:

            Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  2. Wash, core and cut the tomatoes into halves. Toss the tomato halves, garlic cloves, and onions with olive oil, salt and pepper, and spread evenly onto a baking tray. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until medium golden brown, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove roasted tomatoes, garlic and onion from the oven and transfer to a large stock pot. Add 3 cups of the chicken stock, bay leaf, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until liquid has reduced by a third. Wash and dry basil leaves, and add to the pot. Turn off heat.
  4. Using a blender, puree the soup mixture until smooth. Return pureed soup to a pot over low heat.  Add cream and adjust consistency with remaining chicken stock, if necessary. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Garnish with cornbread croutons, serve and enjoy!

Ingredients for Cornbread Croutons:

  • Prepared corn muffins or corn bread, baked & cooled to room temperature
  • Olive Oil

             Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Cut corn muffins or corn bread into ¾-inch cubes; place in bowl and gently toss with olive oil.
  3. Place cornbread cubes on a baking sheet and bake until golden – about 20 minutes.
  4. Cool and reserve for soup (or salad) garnish.
  5. Press Enter at the end of this line to add more directions

 For more inspiration from the Chick-fil-A Chefs, check out the  Chick-fil-A Chef Gift Guide for the foodie in your family.

Tagged In: 2014 Brian Kolodziej Chick-fil-A Chef Holidays Recipe Soup