Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP - Makes a lot, so you can cut in half

Ingredients:

3 Lbs Ripe Tomatoes, Cut in Half

¼ Cup Plus 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Salt

1 ½ Tsp Pepper

2 Onions, Chopped

6 Garlic Cloves, Minced

2 Tbsp Butter

¼ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes

28 oz can Crushed Tomatoes

4 Cups Fresh Basil, Packed (do not use dried)

1 Tsp Fresh Thyme (if you use dried, use ½ Tsp)

4 Cups Chicken Broth

Croutons, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven 400.

Toss tomatoes, ¼ Cup Olive Oil, Salt & Pepper. Spread in 1 layer on baking sheet and roast 45 minutes.

In pot over medium heat, saute onions and garlic with 2 tbsp olive oil, butter and red pepper flakes for 10 minutes until onions start to brown. Add canned tomatoes, basil, thyme and chicken stock. Add oven roasted tomatoes, including any liquid. Bring to boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes.

Pass through food processor. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with croutons if you desire.