CREAM of FRESH TOMATO SOUP (Barefoot Contessa)

3T olive oil

2 red onions, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 T garlic

5 lg tomatoes, chopped

2 t sugar

1 T tomato paste

1/4 c fresh basil leaves, diced

3c. chicken stock/broth

1T salt

2t pepper

3/4 c. heavy cream (milk works, too)

croutons for garnish

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over med heat.  Saute onions, carrots, and garlic for 10 minutes.  Add tomatoes, sugar, tomato paste, basil, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce to low and simmer for 30-40 min uncovered.  Add the heavy cream and stir.  Blend with a hand blender (or let cool and blend in small batches in the blender) and serve.