This “secret” recipe is from my aunt Maddie who got it from her granny. She would always say this recipe is 90 years old, and it’s simply the best! Served with a grilled cheese, it’s a perfect match! This vintage recipe has few ingredients, but believe it or not, baking powder is one of them… and that what makes it a secret recipe! Try it and see!

Serves 6 | Prep. time 15 minutes | Cooking time 30 minutes

Ingredients

4–5 cups tomatoes

2 cups milk

2 cups water

1 pint beef broth

½ teaspoon baking soda

⅓ cup tomato paste

2 tablespoons butter, melted

Crackers for serving

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Shredded cheese for serving

Crackers for serving

Directions

Parboil the tomatoes in a large cooking pot with 2 cups of hot water for 1 minute.

Let cool, then remove the seeds and skin.

Add the tomatoes and the tomato water to a large cooking pot.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add the baking soda and stir until the mixture boils again.

Mix in the milk, butter and beef broth; boil the mixture again.

Season with some salt and pepper. Mix in the tomato paste. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes.

To serve, top soup with some shredded cheese if desired.

Serve with crackers if desired.