Elephant Tomato Orange Soup

Who doesn't have a fondness tomato soup? There are enough variations in the world to please everybody and this one comes from Elephant's Deli in Portland, OR. I have to think that it was birthed by accident - perhaps some careless kitchen worker bumping into a glass of orange juice, or perhaps an unlabeld can grabbed and added to the soup pot in a hurry? Whatever. It turns out to be quite an interesting soup and so popluar that the local paper printed the recipe at the request of the public.

ELEPHANT TOMATO ORANGE SOUP
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup heavy cream
In a saucepan, melt butter; add onion and saute until translucent. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, baking soda and thyme. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered about 15 minutes or until slightly thickened.

Puree in a food processor or blender; strain through a sieve or food mill. (The Soup Lady likes a little texture and uses a hand held immersion blender for this.)

Return to saucepan and stir in orange juice. At this point, the soup can be refrigerated until ready to serve.

At serving time, add the whipping cream and heat gently, stirring constantly, bringing to a simmer and adjust seasonings if necessary. Extra cream maybe drizzled on top of the soup immediately before serving for decorative effect.

Comments

[Jean]

try it

[Joyceann Padovani]

The most wonderful soup I have ever tasted, and soup making is one of my hobbies. I first ate this at Elephants Grill in Portland, Oregon, and am delighted to find this recipe on line! Thank you!

[Cheryl]

This recipe is in a Soup cookbook I have and is fabulous! It is called "Best Buddy" soup as it marries the flavors of the orange and tomato. It calls for a small slice of orange afloat the top!

[Stephanie]

Thanks for posting this amazing recipe... I used to live near Portland and this soup takes me right back. I was so happy to find it on your site.

[Sandra]

Does anyone have the Elephant mushrrom recipe? I have had it before and it is to die for.

Sandra

[Sandra]

Does anyone have the Elephant mushrrom recipe? I have had it before and it is to die for.

Sandra

[Kristen]

I'm in the portland area and love this soup. I made it for the first time and found that the cream really isn't a must. If you want to make it with a few less calories don't feel cheated with out the cream it's really a great soup.

[Jennifer]

This soup is amazing with a grilled cheese sandwich to dip it in! Sometimes I'll escape from work and have it for lunch!

[Joyceann Padovani]

I first had this soup four years ago while visiting my son in Portland. I serve it often. Do you have any other recipes from this deli?

[Aj Jackson]

Very excited to find this recipe from Elephants! Living in Portland I frequent the deli often for a bowl of soup on a rainy day! Does anyone have the recipe for their "Elephants Cure" Chicken soup. It is a sure fire way to combat a cold. It is a spicy version of a traditional chicken broth soup. I know it has a few unconventional ingredients including ginger and lemongrass - would love to be able to make it at home!

[Katie Rogerson]

I am so thrilled to finally find this recipe! I'm a soup lover and don't make it back to Portland near enough. Thank you!

[Molly W]

I go to Elephants whenever I get a chance, and the only thing I get is this soup. It is sooooo good.

[Karla]

I will definitely try this recipe. I was in Portland on vacation for 9 days and went to Elephants twice, ate the tomato orange soup both times. Yum.