Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp butter

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 c. carrots, sliced thinly

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup water, 1-2 bouillon cubes

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 1.5 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 10-15 basil leaves

• Pinch of cayenne

• ½ c. heavy cream or half and half

Directions:

1. Heat butter in dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrots, and pepper. Saute until soft/fragrant. 

2. Add in the tomatoes, water/bouillon, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir and increase heat to a simmer, cover, and lower the heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 mn until the tomatoes have broken down and the carrots are tender. Remove from heat. 

3. Add in the basil leaves and blend soup. 

4. Return soup to pot and stir in cream. 

5. Add in cayenne/adjust salt/pepper to taste.