This recipe is a perfect weeknight meal. Yes, you will have time to make grilled cheese sandwiches to dip in the soup. In our house, the perfect comfort food is a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. Really! We won’t even consider eating tomato soup without one. Crazy, I know. In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add shallot and saute until translucent. Add garlic and saute another 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes (juice and all), chicken stock (or chicken broth), oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and bring it to a low simmer. Cook uncovered, occasionally stirring, for 15 minutes or until it has thickened. Add the half and half, fresh basil, and season to taste with salt and pepper. We love this recipe and the texture. If it’s not smooth enough for your tastes, use an immersion blender to emulsify it to your liking.
