Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Method

1. Soften the onion

   Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion with a pinch of salt for 6 to 8 minutes until soft and translucent.

2. Toast the paste

   Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.

3. Simmer

   Add the tomatoes with their juices, broth and sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 20 minutes.

4. Blend

   Add the basil and blend until completely smooth with an immersion blender, or carefully in batches in a countertop blender.

5. Finish

   Stir in the cream and warm through. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.