I can't find the exact recipe I used but I think this is pretty close. I liked it because it uses canned tomatoes rather than fresh ones. There are lots of recipes using fresh tomatoes but this is the time of year we love soup and don't have fresh tomatoes!
Heat 1 T olive oil and 2 T butter in heavy cooking pot or dutch oven (the enamel coated kind).
Add 2 chopped onions and saute 5 -7 minutes slightly brown. Add 2 - 4 cloves diced garlic, depending on how much you love garlic! Saute. Can add 1 T Italian seasoning if desired.
Add 2 28 oz cans chopped or crushed tomatoes. They recommend San Marzano tomatoes but I just used what I had.
Add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth.
Bring soup to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes with lid slightly ajar.
Add 12 leaves or 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. If you don't have fresh, you can use dried, but fresh is yummier.
Remove from heat and blend the soup. You can use a regular blender and add the soup in stages. Or you can use an immersion blender, which works great and is much easier.
Add 1/2 heavy cream and 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese (not the kind in the can but the kind in the bag that is fresh. Or grate a chunk of Parmesan cheese.)
Salt and pepper to taste.
We really liked this and I think we may have added a slight amount of crushed red pepper. Add spices that you like! Great with grilled cheese sandwiches!
