Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich are one of my favorite choice of lunch on a cold day. I prefer to use fresh tomatoes on the vine and fresh basil. Adding garlic kicks up the flavor to the soup.

Ingredients:

3 cloves garlic,minced

5 tomatoes, blanched and chopped

2 C low-sodium tomato juice

1/3 C fresh basil,chopped

1 C milk

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 C low fat cream cheese,softened

basil leaves, thinly sliced

Method:

1. Heat 1 table spoon olive oil in a large pot. Saute garlic for 2 minutes.    Add tomato and juice with enough water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.

2. Add basil  and blend with an immulsion blender. 

3. Stir in the milk, salt and pepper. Add cream cheese, whisking vigorously. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with sliced basil.