Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

By r_wade1

Ingredients

• 3 cups diced tomatoes with juice (you can use canned)
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 1 cup finely diced carrots
• 1 cup finely diced onions
• 1 Tbsp fresh oregano or 1 tsp dried
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup finely diced onions
• 4 Tbsp fresh basil or 1 Tbsp dried
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups half and half, warmed
• 1 tsp salt

Details

Adapted from todaysmama.com

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oil in 4 quart soup pot. Add celery, onions and carrots. Saute 5 minutes.
Add basil, oregano, bay leaves, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until carrots are tender (15 minutes).

While soup simmers, prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat, add flour and cook, stirring constantly, 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add back into soup pot.

Simmer, stirring constantly, until soup begins to thicken. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk to blend. Stir warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Makes about 2 quarts (about 8 servings)