3-4Tbls.chicken bouillion baseI love the stuff that comes in a jar at Costco
1/4cuppestothe Kirkland Basil Pesto is my favorite
3cans tomato paste
1 1/2tsp.black pepper
4leavesfresh basilchopped fine (can use more for garnish)
3tsp.dry basil
Salt to taste
1/2tsp.cayenne pepper
2quartshalf & half
1cupwater or milkor chicken broth if using less chicken bouillion
8-9cans14.5 oz. crushed canned tomatoes
Instructions
Saute the onions and butter in a large soup pot until the onions are tender and translucent. Add the garlic, chicken bouillon base, pesto, tomato paste, and pepper.
Continue to saute until the seasonings begin to smell fragrant (about 4-5 minutes) and then add the remaining ingredients.
Let the soup simmer on medium low heat until the soup thickens and the flavors come together. If you like a thinner soup, add more half & half or milk. If you like a thicker soup, let the soup simmer for longer so that liquid evaporates. Serve with fresh cream on top with fresh basil and/or parmesan cheese.