Creamy Italian Tomato Soup (gluten-free, contains dairy)

• To cook the tomatoes, you can either use a pressure cooker, instant pot, or pot of boiling water. While the tomatoes are cooking, move onto the next step of cooking the onions and garlic.

Stove-top Method:

• Fill a large pot with enough water so that the tomatoes can be fully immersed. 
• Add some salt to the water and bring the water to a boil. 
• Add the tomatoes and turn off the heat. Close the pot with a lid and let the tomatoes sit in the hot water for about 20-30 minutes. Drain the water out. 

Pressure Cooker / Instant Pot Method:

• Place the tomatoes whole into your pressure cooker or Instant Pot and add a small amount of water (just enough to cover the bottom of the pressure cooker). 
• Lock the lid in place. For pressure cooker, turn the heat to medium. Once the steam begins to hiss out of the cooker, reduce the heat to medium for 2-3 minutes and then turn off. For Instant Pot, select the 'Pressure Cook' button and cook on high. Set the timer for about 2-3 minutes. 
• When the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally until it is safe to open the lid. 

To Prepare the Soup Base (Bechamel Sauce):

• Cool the tomatoes enough until you can handle them with your hands. Remove and discard the skin of the tomatoes (the outer peel should have shrunk and become very easy to remove).
• In a medium sized non-stick pan or pot, heat the vegan butter or olive oil to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onions and fry until fragrant and onions start to become translucent, mixing frequently. If you start to see the onions and garlic stick to the pot, feel free to add a little additional oil or turn down the heat. Set aside until the tomatoes are done.
• Add the flour to the pot and whisk until all the butter is mixed in. You should have a paste like consistency. Cook the butter and flour for a few minutes while mixing continuously until it is light brown. 
• Slowly add in the non-dairy milk and whisk continuously until the flour/butter mixture is completely blended into the milk. Try not to leave any butter/flour chunks. 
• Continue to stir on medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened (note: the thickness should be such that the sauce still pours off the spatula). Set aside
• Once the tomatoes are cooked and peeled, add them to the pot with the white s
• Add the tcooked and peeled tomatoes to the white sauce. Using a stick immersion hand blender  or blender completely puree the white sauce/tomato mixture. If needed, feel free to add a little water to start the blending process. 
• Pour the soup back into the pot (if using blender), AND add about 1/2 cup water (adjust more or less depending on how thick you like your soup, and depending on exact thickness of the tomato puree and white sauce). Combine well.
• Turn the heat on low-medium until you achieve a gentle simmer.
• Add garlic powder and Italian Seasoning.
• Add salt (~1 teasp), sugar (~1/2 teasp), and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The exact amounts may vary based on the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes.
• Simmer for a few more minutes until all the spices have cooked in and the soup is at the desired thickness.
• Enjoy hot topped with some freshly ground black pepper and home-made croutons, or with some toasted french bread on the side.