TOMATO SOUP WITH STAR ANISE
Inspired By: recipe featured on www.soupsong.com

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons peanut oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, with leaves, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
2 lbs. tomatoes, peeled and chopped, with juice
4 cups vegetable or beef broth
12 whole PureSpice ® star anise
2 sprigs parsley

1.Heat oil in a large saucepean over medium-low heat. Add onion and cook until translucent--about 10 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and add the celery and carrot. Cook until the vegetables begin to brown--about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, juice, stock, 6 whole star anises, and parsley. Cover and simmer gently for 40 minutes.
2.Strain the soup through a fine sieve, pressing to extract the liquids. Degrease the soup, then return to a simmer. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the remaining star anise.