hot soup

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Soften onion: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add tomatoes: Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned diced tomatoes) and cook for about 10 minutes.
5. Add broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce heat: Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Blend: Use an immersion blender (or transfer the soup to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until smooth.
8. Add cream (optional): If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half to add a creamy texture.
9. Season: Add the dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
10. Serve: Serve the hot soup immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired.

Variations:

– Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
– Use roasted tomatoes for added depth of flavor.
– Add some cooked rice, pasta, or croutons for added texture.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavor profiles.