Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.75 cup Heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar(optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent and soft.

3. 3

   Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, and pepper; bring to a gentle simmer.

5. 5

   Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the flavors meld for 15-20 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in the fresh basil leaves, then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth.

7. 7

   Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly until the soup is a uniform pale red.

8. 8

   Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm with a garnish of extra basil or croutons.