The Best Ever Tomato Soup

Name: The Best Ever Tomato Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 servings (4 quarts).
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 3 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes, undrained; 1 container (32 ounces) chicken stock; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 teaspoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup heavy whipping cream, optional; Optional toppings: Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 30 minutes YIELD: 16 servings (4 quarts).

Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried basil
3 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes, undrained
1 container (32 ounces) chicken stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup heavy whipping cream, optional
Optional toppings: Thinly sliced fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a 6-quart stockpot or Dutch oven, heat oil, butter and pepper flakes over medium heat until butter is melted. Add carrots and onion; cook, uncovered, over medium heat, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and basil; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Stir in tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, to let flavors blend, 20-25 minutes.
2. Remove pan from heat. Using a blender, puree soup in batches until smooth. If desired, slowly stir in heavy cream, stirring continuously to incorporate. Return pan to stove to heat through. Top servings with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.