Hearty Tomato Soup with Basil

This is also a great recipe to make when having friends over on a casual Sunday for brunch or an early dinner. Be sure to make a large batch! This one is a winner!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 5 basil leaves minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup crème fraiche or more if you

Directions

1. In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 4 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, broth, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, covered.
3. Puree the soup in a blender in batches, add in the crème fraiche. Return the soup to a soup pot and keep warm over low heat. Season with salt and pepper.
4. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and dollop each bowl with the crème fraiche. Serve immediately with warm bread – yum!

Culinary pleasures and entertaining with friends and family refreshes the soul, revives the spirit, and makes new memories.

Enjoy!
-Renee