Tasty Thursday: Tomato Basil Soup

To me, nothing says comfort food like tomato soup and grilled cheese.  I'm in love with this homemade tomato soup recipe from Everyday Occasions, it's delish!

Ingredients:

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 - 14 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes

1 - 14 oz. can of whole tomatoes

2 cups of stock (chicken or vegetable)

1 tsp of sea salt

1 tsp of sugar

1/2 tsp of fresh ground black pepper

1/4 cup of heavy cream

3 tablespoons of fresh basil, julienned

parmesan cheese

Directions:In a saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil on medium heat for 1 minute - being careful not to burn the garlic.  Puree the crushed and whole tomatoes, unless you like your soup a little chunky, then go ahead and add them straight from the can, breaking the whole tomatoes in the pan.  Make sure to add the juice from the whole tomatoes, as well.  Add chicken stock, salt, pepper and sugar.  Cook the soup on medium at a simmer for 10 minutes.

To finish, reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream and basil.  Serve topped with parmesan cheese, crusty bread, or the perfect pairing: a grilled cheese sandwich.