Classic Homestyle Tomato Soup

This is an original recipe created by yours truly. I was tired of boring tomato soup from a can so I created my own version. In the late summer and fall I use fresh chopped tomatoes from the garden instead of the canned variety.

1 onion finely chopped
1 clove garlic

2 T butter
½ t dried basil
½ t paprika
2 cans (14.5-oz each) diced tomatoes, pureed
1 can (10.75-oz.) condensed tomato soup
1 c milk
1 c whipping cream


Let dehydrated onion stand in water for 10 minutes. In a large saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in butter until tender; add basil, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir in tomatoes, soup, milk, and cream until well blended. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 6 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.