# Components:
→ Base
01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
04 - 2 cups vegetable broth
05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
→ Cream
06 - 1/2 cup cream or half-and-half
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Method Steps:
01 - Warm olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally.
02 - Incorporate diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, and basil leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
03 - Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender, or process in batches with a countertop blender, ensuring careful handling of hot liquids.
04 - Return soup to pot, stir in cream or half-and-half, and season with salt and pepper to preferred taste.
05 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and accompany with crusty bread or croutons if desired.