Tomato Basil Soup - Great Easy Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 kg ripe tomatoes (chopped, or 1 large can of whole peeled tomatoes, 28 oz)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra depth)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• Drizzle of cream
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cracked black pepper
• Parmesan cheese (grated)