Tomato Soup

It is STILL winter. I feel like this cold weather up in the PNW has lasted a little too long.

I am naturally a cold-natured person and I just overall need anything I can get to warm me up on a cold day.

These cold and dreary days call for a big ole cup of soup and in our house, tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich reigns supreme.

This tomato recipe is hearty, super flavorful, and pretty dang easy to whip up on any day of the week!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 large carrots, peeled and diced\
• 1 medium onion, diced finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1-28 ounce can whole tomatoes
• 1-14.5 ounce can whole tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried basil

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, onion, and garlic. Stir and cook for 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, stir, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add the canned tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and parsley, and stir. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Using a blender, puree the tomato mixture, still leaving some texture if desired. I usually do this in 2 batches in my blender. *Be careful when blending hot substances!*
4. Add soup back to pot, add cream, basil, and adjust any seasonings if necessary. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
5. Serve the soup with parmesan cheese, a grilled cheese sandwich, or with a piece of crusty French bread.