super easy creamy tomato soup

tomato soup is my all time favorite soup.. lobster bisque and clam chowder compete for close second but there is something about tomato soup with a grilled cheese that reminds me of home.. reminds me of my childhood and just gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside.. strangely enough pete does not like it.. hates it in fact.. *eyeroll* how could you hate tomato soup.. well he had to be out of town the other day for business so i decided to make me tomato soup.. it's sooooooooo easy.. as in super easy.. you'll never buy canned soup again!! and good..

easy tomato soup

prep time: 5 minutes
cooking time: 30 minutes
servings: 4-6

ingredients:

2 tblsp. butter
2 tblsp. flour
2 cups skim milk
1 28 oz. can italian style crushed tomatoes
1 can of tomato paste
handful of chopped basil and oregano (i ended up sprinkling italian dried herbs on the bowl in the photo)
non fat greek yogurt or low fat sour cream for garnish (optional)
red pepper (optional)

in a saute pan over medium heat melt your butter, when melted added your flour and whisk for about 1 minute then add milk and keep whisking for about 3-4 minutes it will start to become thick.. once it's a good consistency add your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and herbs whisk together until all is well incorporated.. then cook for about 20-30 minutes on low.. (if you prefer a totally smooth soup you can either use your emulsion blender at this point or put in your stand blender and blend until smooth, i prefer it with a little bit of texture and the crushed tomatoes provide just a hint).. for a different flavor you could use fire roasted tomatoes.. or change up the herbs. i served with a dollop of sour cream and some crushed red pepper.. i made a grilled cheese sandwich and it was soo good.. hit the spot perfectly!!

enjoy and get cook'n!!!