The other day I was invited to a speakeasy-themed potluck dinner party. The only requirement: bring a dish made with alcohol.

I had to throw something together at the last minute, so based on the cold winter weather and whatever happened to be lying around my kitchen, I came up with a boozy tomato soup. Cause when you’re making soup you can never go wrong with a little leftover wine and beer…

Boozy Tomato Soup

You will need:

1-2 onions, sliced thinly
2 large cans diced tomatoes or 1 can diced tomatoes and 3 tomatoes (yes, they’re not in season. I cheated and froze several of them whole back in the summertime – just plopped them right in the freezer – for occasions such as these) or 6 fresh tomatoes
3-4 cups stock (whatever is on hand; I used lamb stock, but vegetable or chicken works too)
4-6 cloves, ground
A few pinches of cinnamon and nutmeg
(optional) Small can of tomato paste (for a stronger tomato-ier flavor)
Most of your favorite Belgian beer
Some leftover dry red wine (say a cup or so)
Salt and pepper to taste
Butter and olive oil

Start by sauteeing the onions in butter and olive oil a large saucepan till they’re translucent.

Meanwhile, prep your tomatoes: if using canned tomatoes, drain about half the liquid out of the can. If using fresh tomatoes, remove the skins (easiest way to do this: cut a small x in the bottom of each tomato, plunge into hot water for 15-30 seconds, then plunge into cold water and peel away) and quarter them.

Add the tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the broth to the saucepan. Make sure there’s enough liquid to cover the tomatoes – if there isn’t, add water till there is.

Let cook for 30 minutes, then add the beer & wine.

Use an immersion blender or blend in batches to achieve a smooth consistency.

Test the soup for taste, adding salt as desired.

Let reduce to desired consistency.

By the way I love to make lots of tomato soup in the summertime, when tomatoes are fresh and delicious, and store it away in Tupperware for the cold winter months. The only thing more comforting than comfort food is comfort food that is homemade AND requires only 10 minutes to heat up!