Creamy Tomato Basil

By lindsayvk

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chopped yellow onion (about 1 large onion)
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
• Two 16-ounce cans diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Pinch sugar
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oil in a 6-quart heavy-bottom pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and garlic and sauté until onions are translucent and the kitchen smells delicious, about 5 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, water, basil leaves, salt, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat and tuck the chunks of cream cheese into the hot soup, being careful not to splash.
Let sit off the heat for 5 minutes, then puree with an immersion blender.
Garnish with a grilled cheese sandwich.