Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

• 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, halved
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup basil leaves
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt the butter in a wide pot and cook the onion halves cut-side down over medium-low heat until they turn golden and sweet, about ten minutes.

2. 2

   Add the garlic, tomatoes with their juice, stock, and sugar, then simmer uncovered for twenty-five minutes so the liquid reduces and concentrates.

3. 3

   Fish out the onion halves if you want a cleaner flavor, or leave them in for a rounder, sweeter soup.

4. 4

   Blend the soup until completely velvety, adding the basil at the very end so it stays bright green instead of turning muddy.

5. 5

   Stir in the cream off the heat, season aggressively with salt and pepper, and serve with something buttered and crisp on the side.