Hy-Vee Recipes and Ideas

Directions

1. Step1

   Combine wood chips and water in a medium bowl; soak for 30 to 60 minutes.

2. Step2

   Place oven rack in middle of oven; preheat oven to 275 degrees. Place a wire rack in a half-sheet (18x13x1-in.) baking pan; spray with nonstick spray. Cut off a thin slice from the top of each garlic bulb to expose ends of individual cloves. Remove any loose, papery outer layers. Place garlic bulbs, cut sides up, on prepared wire rack in a baking pan. Drain canned tomatoes; reserving juices. Place canned and fresh tomatoes, onion and bell pepper on rack with garlic; set aside.

3. Step3

   Line another half-sheet baking pan with heavy foil. Drain smoking chips, reserving 1/2 cup soaking water. Place smoking chips and reserved ½ cup soaking water in the foil-lined baking pan; spread to cover bottom of pan. Light wood chips with a kitchen torch for 1 to 2 minutes or until significant smoke forms without flame.

4. Step4

   Transfer wire rack with vegetables on top of smoking chips. Quickly invert the baking pan from the vegetables and place it on top of the baking pan with wood chips to cover and trap the smoke. Place the covered pan in the oven; smoke vegetables in oven for 45 to 60 minutes or until desired smokiness flavor. Remove from oven.

5. Step5

   Place oven rack 5 in. from heat; preheat broiler to HIGH. Carefully remove top pan from vegetables; transfer wire rack with vegetables to the empty baking pan. Broil vegetables for 4 to 5 minutes or until edges begin to char.

6. Step6

   Carefully squeeze the base of each garlic clove and push it up and out of its paper husks into a food processor; cover and process until smooth. Add smoked vegetables to food processor; cover and pulse 3 to 5 times or until vegetables are coarsely chopped.

7. Step7

   Transfer vegetable mixture to a medium stockpot. Stir in 1/2 tsp. salt, paprika and cumin. Add vegetable stock and reserved tomato juices. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 35 to 45 minutes or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally. To serve, divide into serving bowls. Season with black pepper and garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.