Cream of Tomato Soup with Basil...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite inspired by Nordstrom's Cafe

By Foodiewife

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• Pinch of sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 (28-oz.) can whole Italian tomatoes in puree
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil leaves

Preparation

Step 1

Directions:
1) Warm oil in a 4 to 5 quart saucepan set over medium heat. Add carrots, onions, sugar and dried basil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes. Add broth and tomatoes with puree and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
2) Remove from heat. Working in batches, puree soup in a blender or food processor fitted with a metal blade. An immersion blender may also be used. Return pureed soup to saucepan, add cream and place over medium heat. Warm until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into a warmed soup tureen or individual bowls, garnish with the basil leaves and serve immediately. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.