Tomato Basil Soup

Name: Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne; 6 cups vegetable stock (can use chicken stock); 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon brandy; 3/4 cup basil pesto

15 ingredients

8 steps

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
6 cups vegetable stock (can use chicken stock)
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon brandy
3/4 cup basil pesto

Directions

1

Melt the butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and sugar and saute until caramelized.
2

Add the thyme, bay leaves, salt, pepper, garlic and cayenne and stir.
3

Add the stock and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
4

Add the cream and brandy. Simmer 5 minutes.
5

Remove the bay leaves and puree about half of the soup in a blender until smooth.
6

Return the puree to the soup pot.
7

Add the basil pesto and heat through.
8

Serve. Can garnish with a little parmesan or mozzarella, fresh chives, croutons -- .