Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream

Special Equipment Needed:
- Large saucepan
- Blender or food processor

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Carefully transfer the soup to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
6. Return the soup to the saucepan and stir in the heavy cream.
7. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 4-6

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 5g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil can be substituted with butter or coconut oil.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or milk.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup cooked, diced chicken for a heartier soup.
- Add 1/2 cup cooked, diced bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup cooked, diced sausage for a spicy flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- For a smoother soup, strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve.
- For a thicker soup, add an additional tablespoon of tomato paste.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve with a dollop of sour cream or croutons.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded cheese
- Croutons

Pairings:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked potatoes
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add additional broth or cream to thin it out.
- If the soup is too thin, add additional tomato paste to thicken it up.

Food Safety Advice:
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 5 days.

Food History:
Tomato soup has been a popular dish since the 19th century and is believed to have originated in Italy.

Flavor Profiles:
This soup is creamy and savory with a hint of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

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Taste: Creamy, Savory, Tangy, Rich, Tomato