Tomato Basil Soup

By GNSnavely

Ingredients

• 4 T butter
• 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 box chicken broth
• 3 cans (12 oz) tomato juice
• 1 pint (2 cups)heavy cream or half-n-half
• dried basil to taste (start with 5 T)
• salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 can tomato paste - for richer soup

Preparation

Step 1

Blend canned tomatoes, juice and all, in a blender until smooth.
In large pot, melt butter, add blended tomatoes.
Bring to a boil and allow to boil for about 2 minutes.
Add broth, tomato juice (and paste, if used), basil, and salt and pepper.
Boil for about 3-5 minutes.
Lower the heat and slowly add cream.
Once cream is warm, the soup is ready to serve.

Note: Do not boil after the addition of the cream.

This is excellent when you grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top and even add a few homemade croutons.