Creamy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Creamy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

It's finally fall and time for our favorite comfort food that we seen to enjoy the most in the colder seasons.

I found this recipe and made it cost effective while still keeping all its flavor.

Here is what i made:

Creamy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:
2 Teas. oil
1/2 cup Onion, diced
1 small  Carrot, diced 
1 stalk Celery, diced
1 1/2 teas.  cloves Garlic, minced
3 (8oz.) cans Diced Tomatoes ( I like the ones with green chilies)
1/2  Tblsp. Tomato Paste ( when you open a  small can freeze the rest)
1/2 Tblsp. Sea Salt
1/2  tsp. fresh ground Black Pepper
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
3/4  cup Organic Chicken or Vegetable Broth/Stock
1/8 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped or pich of dried basil
1/4 cup  Milk

Directions:
In a large saucepan over medium heat add the oils. Add the onion, carrot, garlic and celery. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. 
Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, celery seed, basil, and broth/stock. 
Bring to a simmer, and cook until vegetables are very tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. 
Transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. If using a blender do not overfill 
Pour the soup back into the pan, then stir in the milk or half & half and warm over medium heat. 
Serve hot, garnished with a basil leaf. 
Or allow to cool and freeze in one-cup servings.

Serve this with toasted or grilled cheese and you have the the perfect comfort food dinner!