Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

From: http://randomthoughtsandthrills.blogspot.com/2012/01/recipe-tomato-basil-parmesan-soup.html

Ingredients:
2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil
4 cups chicken broth
½ bay leaf
½ cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
½ cup butter
2 cups half and half, warmed (I would go with only a cup and a half though)
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper


1. Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, chicken broth, onions, oregano, basil, and bay leaf to a large slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until flavors are blended and vegetables are soft.

3. About 30 minutes before serving prepare a roux. Melt butter over low heat in a skillet and add flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth. Add all back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed half and half, salt and pepper. Add additional basil and oregano if needed (the slow cooker does a number on spices and they get bland over time, so don't be afraid to always season to taste at the end).

4. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.

Verdict:
Thumbs up! I love a good tomato soup and this one has a great flavor and is super easy to make! It's on my list to make again for sure! 

Easy Chunky Tomato Soup

Ingredients:
2 T vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 T flour
1/2 cup milk
1 jar (26-28 oz) tomato pasta sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
shredded cheddar cheese

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened.

Add flour; cook and stir until moistened. Gradually add milk, cooking and stirring about 2 minutes or until smooth and bubbly.

Stir in pasta sauce, tomatoes, and broth. Cover; cook over medium heat about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, just until mixture boils. Top each serving with cheddar cheese.

What I did differently from the recipe:
Nothing! It was too easy to change!

What I'll do differently next time:
Maybe add some pasta noodles or ground beef.

Verdict:
Thumbs up! Easy and would make again, perhaps with adding the noodles or beef.