Lexie's Tomato-Basil Soup

 This is such a delight! Creamy and packed with flavor, this soup is a taste of heaven on a chili day. So yummy! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

-3 lbs tomatoes (Romas work best, but any other will do just fine), cut into chunks

-1 small onion, cut into chunks

-5 cloves garlic, halved

-2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

-1/2 tsp salt

-1/4 tsp pepper

-1/4 cup fresh basil OR 1.5 Tbs dried basil leaves

-2 Tbs butter

-2 Tbs flour

-4 cups vegetable broth

-1.5 tsp sugar

-1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 F.

On a large baking sheet, combine the tomatoes, onion, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper. Give it a very good stir and spread out evenly.

Roast in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Quickly stir and continue roasting for another 10 minutes. Switch the oven to HIGH broil and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes.

Remove from the oven and pour the tomato mixture and juices into a blender. 

Add the basil and process until all is nice and smooth. Set aside.

In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.

Slowly add in the broth, whisking continually until smooth. Stir in the sugar, tomato mixture, and heavy cream. Give it a good stir and simmer for about 15 minutes.

So yummy! Enjoy!