Cream of Tomato Soup with Basil and Spices Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 stick unsalted butter (or margarine, or 4 tbsp olive oil)
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 3 large carrots, chopped moderately small
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cans whole tomatoes in juice (optional: no salt)
• 4 cups water and enough instant chicken stock to make 4 cups of stock
• 8 leaves fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil, crumbled
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cinnamon stick
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups heavy cream (alternative: soy milk, untested)
• 4 leaves fresh basil, finely chopped