Tomato Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Dice onion and garlic finely and set aside.
2. 2
   In a 6-quart pot, heat the olive oil and butter on medium heat until the butter is melted.
3. 3
   Once butter is melted, add onions and garlic and saute until onions are softened (not browned).
4. 4
   Once softened, add flour and cover the oil/butter/onion/garlic combination in it.
5. 5
   Add remaining ingredients.
6. 6
   Season to taste with salt, pepper, and italian seasoning.
7. 7
   Once the soup is combined, allow it to return to a boil and then put the heat on low.
8. 8
   Let the soup simmer on low for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. 9
   Once the 45-minute period is up, you can eat the soup chunky as is, or you can allow it to cool for 1 hour and puree the soup.
10. 10
    To puree the soup, I recommend using a food processor and splitting the soup into three batches.