Ok, we know what you may be thinking. Another tomato soup. But this is not just any tomato soup. It is a really tasty, go with your grilled cheese sandwich tomato soup, and it is from one of the brightest young Chefs in the Arizona, Justin Beckett who is known for doing lots of great things but, especially, for his tomato soup with grilled cheese. Try this soup and you will be five years old again in your mom’s kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (approx 16 oz) whole peeled pear tomatoes
  • 1 cup oven dried tomatoes (can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes but make sure that they are soaked in warm water and very soft)
  • 2 cloves roasted garlic
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 5 lrg leaves basil chopped
  • 3 sprigs thyme cleaned and chopped
  • 2 sprigs oregano cleaned and chopped
  • salt and ground black pepper to desired seasoning
Place the first three ingredients into a pot and simmer stirring occasionally simmer for 10 minutes add cream and half of the herbs cook for another 10 minutes puree the soup in blender or with a hand blender till completely smooth add the rest of the herbs and season with salt and pepper enjoy.

About Chef Justing Beckett

As one of the valleys most creative chefs, Justin Beckett has created and developed restaurant concepts locally and nationally. He attributes his love for food to his parents. His mother was a pastry chef while his Italian father carried a deep-seated passion for food.  Following his graduation from the California Culinary Academy, Beckett was recruited by Roy’s in Pebble Beach.  He continued to gain experience at Roy’s Kahana in Maui, and then traveled to Europe for a three-month apprenticeship.  While there, Beckett was chosen to act as a personal chef for the Countess Von Gallen of Germany. Following his stint in Europe, Beckett relocated to Arizona for the opening of Roy’s in Scottsdale.

As a Consultant for Bottomline Hospitality Group, Justin created efficient systems for profitable smooth running kitchens, lowering costs while improving quality and creating an unbeatable standard  of excellence. Hotel Valley Ho, Cafe Zuzu and Trader Vics were three other spots that Chef Beckett opened and set into motion here in the valley’s dining scene. He also opened Foodbar, Canal, Estate House & Metro. Now Justin Beckett seeks to open a restaurant that he can call home, Beckett’s Table.

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