Tomato-Rice Soup

In a saucepan, add rice to boiling salted water and follow package instructions to cook rice al dente.

In a soup pot with a lid or Dutch oven with a lid, add vegetable stock and cream on low heat. In a blender or food processor, add whole tomatoes and puree. Add to soup pot, stir well, add tomato paste and black pepper and stir again. Increase heat to medium, cover pot with the lid and cook 15 minutes, stir while cooking. Add cooked rice and stir well and cook 5 additional minutes.

Ladle soup in bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy! We love this soup with grilled cheese sandwiches. You may like to add croutons, crackers, or serve with sliced crusty bread.