pat's Recipe

Tomato Basil Soup - Provisions Gourmet Mkt (STL)

Category: SOUPS/STEWS

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup prepared marinara sauce
1/2 cup strong beef stock (see note)
1 bay leaf
1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dried basil
1 1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 cups heavy (whipping) cream

In a large heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Add celery, carrot, salt and pepper. Saute until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes more.
Add crushed tomatoes, sauce, beef stocl, bay leaf, basil and thyme; simmer uncovered over low heat until soup reduces slightly, about 1 hour.
Remove and discard bay leaf. Add cream and simmer about 30 minutes more. Taste and adjust seasoning.

note: for strong beef stock, stir 1/4 tap beef base into 1/2 cup beef broth until dissolved.

about 7 (1 cup) servings