Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
• 3 small garlic cloves, minced
• Four 14.5-ounce cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 2 to 3 cups store-bought chicken broth or Homemade Chicken Broth (page 216 in Magnolia Table Cookbook), as needed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 basil leaves, stems removed, plus sliced basil for serving

Directions

1. To make the tomato basil soup: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil and garlic together over medium-low heat until the garlic begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 2 cups of chicken broth. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low. Add the salt and pepper and slowly pour in the cream, stirring constantly. Add more broth if a looser soup is desired. Drop in the basil leaves and stir.
2. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, let cool slightly and, working in batches as necessary, process in a stand blender until smooth, filling the blender no more than half full and removing the little steam vent in the top of the lid. Be sure to use a blender with venting capabilities.)
3. Ladle the soup into bowls. Drizzle some olive oil on top and scatter over some sliced basil.

“Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering” by Joanna Gaines © William Morrow 2018. Provided courtesy of Joanna Gaines. All rights reserved.