5 large segments of garlic (if almond sized, use 8 or 9)
2-3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
pinch of red pepper flakes (like 10 flakes...don't go to crazy)
1 29 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
3 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp brown sugar
5 cups chicken broth or 5 cups water and 5 tsp chicken bullion
¼ tsp baking soda
4 tbsp butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
1½ cups Heavy Cream
1 cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Use your food processor to finely mince the onion, carrot, celery and garlic
Heat olive oil in large pot and add minced veggies, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Saute for 5 minutes.
Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, brown sugar and chicken broth. Mix well and bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. Add the Baking soda after it simmers before you add the rue. (I let mine go for up to an hour or so if I am busy doing other things.)
Shortly before you plan to serve the soup, make a rue by melting the butter in a small sauce pan, add the flour, mix well and then whisk in the milk ¾ cup at a time. Quickly pour the thick rough into the tomato soup mixture and whisk it in until thoroughly combined. Remove soup from heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately with garlic croutons and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Recipe by Real Life Dinner at https://reallifedinner.com/thick-and-creamy-tomato-basil-parmesan-soup/