Middle-of-Winter Tomato Soup – TartAmour

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Splash of heavy cream or half and half (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)