Tasty Attempts

Tomato & Basil Bisque

from kayleah

4 T. butter or Olive oil

1 medium - large onion, finely diced

1-3 celery ribs, finely diced

1 whole sweet red pepper, finely chopped (can also be grill/oven roasted first)

3-6 (or more J) garlic cloves, finely minced (if roasting red peppers, throw these on the pan too!)

4 T. flour

2 (14.5 oz) cans of (crushed or stewed) tomatoes

1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste

2 tsp. sugar

4 c. chicken or vegetable broth

2 bay leaves

2 tsp basil (or more if desired) or 3Ž4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

1Ž4 c. cream (or milk or 1Ž2 & 1Ž2) as much as desired to bring to desired consistency

Salt and Pepper to taste

(optional: add a can of v-8 for more flavor and servings of veggies! Or add 1 c. of finely chopped carrot)

Saute onion, garlic, celery and red pepper (carrot?) until tender and onions are translucent (not too hot or garlic will burn). Then add 4 T. flour and stir and cook til the flour begins to brown and it creates a paste. Add the tomato paste and mix well, then add the tomatoes (if there is a lot juice, add this slowly, while you are stirring constantly, to keep the flour from being lumpy). Add sugar, broth, (V-8?) bay leaves, stirring well and bring to a simmer. Remove bay leaf then add basil. At this point,. If you want a smoother soup, fill your blender about half way at a time (hot liquid will expand as blended-put a lid on it!) and blend in batches til smooth, strain if desired) Before serving, add cream and salt and pepper. Cook only til heated through (don’t boil if possible).

Serve with croutons and parmesan cheese or toasty grilled cheese sandwiches J Yum!

*The thing that’s awesome about this soup is you can do any variation by adding more or less veggies, if you don’ have it, leave it out! Try it Latino style with cilantro instead of basil or add more Italian seasoning for Italian Style. Chunky or smooth and creamy. Use it as a base for many combinations!

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