My Grandmother's Tomato Bisque | Flirt Recipes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 lbs (900g) ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 28oz cans whole peeled tomatoes)
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons brandy or sherry (optional)