Tomato Basil Soup

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 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

Recipe

• 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 -- .