Tomato-Basil Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic
and oregano
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar
8-10 fresh basil leaves, shredded or 1 teaspoon dried basil
4 ozs. cream cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil over medium-high heat in Dutch oven or soup pot.
Add chopped onion; cook for 1 minute stirring often. Add diced tomatoes with the juice, tomato sauce, vegetable broth and sugar. Cover and bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, if using fresh basil, stack leaves and roll tightly; cut in thin shreds. Add 1 tablespoon to soup and coarsely chop remaining basil and set aside for garnish, if desired.
Cut cream cheese into 1" cubes and add to soup. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes until cheese melts. Uncover pot and whisk the soup to incorporate the cream cheese.
Serve when it has heated thoroughly.
(Recipe serves 4 but easy to double for more,)