Classic Tomato Soup | Mama's Cooking

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more, to taste
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 3 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 (32-ounce) carton chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream, optional
• fresh basil leaves, optional, thinly sliced, for serving