The BEST Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is a classic! Soups are expensive to buy pre-packaged and the tastes can vary widely. I came across this little gem on All Recipes & I'm so glad I did! It is uneblieveably easy to make your own gourmet-tasting Tomato soup! Everoyne has raved whenever I make this recipe and it literally can take35 minutes or less (you can simmer the tomatmo mixture for more time if you have it to richen the flavor). Serve with grilled cheese for a weeknight dinner your family will love! I altered it a bit from the original recipe to use canned tomatoes- which will be your best bet for freshness during the winter. I think its a lot easier too, but you can use fresh if you like.

The BEST Tomato Basil Soup
Adapted from All Recipes
Serves 4 - easily doubles for more

• 1 28oz can whole, peeled tomatoes in juices
• 4 cups tomato juice (I used Campbells that came in a giant can)
• 14 leaves (about 1 package) fresh basil leaves, washed & the stems trimmed off
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• salt & pepper

Place tomatoes & juice in a large pot over medium heat. Simmer for at least 30 minutes- you can do longer if you have time. Start the timer once the mixture is at a full simmer. Do not cover.

Carefully pour mixture into a blender. You may need to blend in batches depending on the size of your blender & how much your mixture has simmered down. Add basil & blend until smooth. Return mixture to pot over low heat. 

Add cream & butter and stir until butter is melted. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Serve immediately ( do not allow mixture to boil once dairy items are added).

Enjoy with grilled cheese!