Vitamix Pizza Soup

INGREDIENTS

1 garlic clove, peeled
½ cup (80 g) medium onion, peeled
4 (40 g) mushrooms, sliced
½ (60 g) large green bell pepper, seeded, chopped
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1½ cup (360 ml) water
3 (370 g) large Roma Tomatoes
3 Tablespoons (45 g) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt, optional
½ cup (55 g) Mozzarella cheese, shredded, optional
2 teaspoons (10 g) grated Parmesan cheese, optional

DIRECTIONS

1. Sauté garlic, onion, mushrooms, green bell pepper, and one roma tomato in the olive oil until tender.
2. Place water, half of the sautéed vegetable mixture, 2 tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid.
3. Start the blender on its lowest speed, then quickly increase to its highest speed
4. Blend for 4 minutes or until heavy steam escapes from the vented lid.
5. Reduce speed to Variable 2 and remove the lid plug.
6. Add remaining half of sautéed vegetables and cheeses through the lid plug opening.
7. Blend for an additional 5 to 10 seconds.