This delectable soup is slightly tangy, definitely creamy, and each spoonful delivers nutty parmesan cheese and flecks of fresh basil. I'm reasonably confident this will be the best tomato soup you will ever eat.
228-ounce cans crushed tomatoes, or diced tomatoes, undrained
1cupchicken brothor chicken stock
1/4cupchopped fresh basilplus more for serving
1tablespoongranulated sugarplus more if needed for serving
1/2cupheavy whipping cream
1/4cupgrated parmesan cheeseplus more for serving
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Melt the butter a nonreactive saucepan, stock pot, or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the onion and cook for 5 to 7, minutes, until very soft (we’re not going for deep color here). Add the garlic and celery seed and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes with the juice from the can. Add the chicken broth, basil, and sugar, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Using an immersion blender or regular blender, puree the soup until you reach the desired consistency. When using a blender, work in batches and do not fill the blender more than halfway. Return the puree to the pan over low heat.
Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese and simmer until the cheese melts. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. If necessary, adjust the acidity with more sugar.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh basil and more parmesan cheese.