Real Yummy Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 2 sticks celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped or thinly sliced

• 2 (28 ounce) cans tomatoes in puree, diced

• 1 (28 ounce) can water
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (or amount of bullion for 3 cups)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (see note)
• 3/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 dashes fresh ground black pepper (a few grinds)

Directions

1. 1

   In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the onions, and saute until transparent.

2. 2

   Add the carrots and celery, and cook until soft, cooked, concentrated and a bit caramelized.

3. 3

   Add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a simmer, and cook about 20 minutes.

4. 4

   NOTES:.

5. 5

   This is delicious as it is, but I sometimes puree about ½.

6. 6

   It would probably be terrific fully pureed, maybe with some cream added. (Add less water.).

7. 7

   Ingredient amounts can be adjusted to taste. I am pretty sure this would still be good with all olive oil, or veggie stock, or even no stock. Actually, the taste is very full, and more water could be added if desired.

8. 8

   If you have the time, instead of the garlic powder, add a bit of crushed garlic with 1 T of water a couple of minutes before adding the tomatoes and water.

9. 9

   Prep time is the chopping and opening cans. The Cooking time will include some mixing while sauteeing. Your number of servings can also vary.