Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup
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INGREDIENTS:
10 to 12 Roma tomatoes, peeled, or
1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained
3 cups tomato juice
2 cups chicken stock
15 (or more) fresh basil leaves
1-1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
TO PREPARE:

Combine the tomatoes, tomato juice and chicken stock in a large saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add the basil and mix well. Process the soup in batches in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return to the saucepan. Whisk in the cream, butter, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until the butter melts and the soup is heated through, whisking constantly. Ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with Parmesan cheese.
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SERVES: 8 - 10