tuscan tomato soup

prep time:  tbd
cook time:  35 minutes
servings:5

ingredients:
extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion - chopped
2 cloves garlic - chopped
3 pounds ripe tomatoes - peeled, cored, seeded and coarsely chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves - coarsely chopped
salt
pepper
6 slices crusty italian bread

steps:
1.  heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 4 - 5 quart pan over medium heat.  add onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally , until onion is golden; about 15 minutes.

2.  stir in tomatoes and add broth.  bring mixture to a boil over high heat; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until tomatoes are very soft when pressed; about 20 minutes.

3.  in a food processor, whirl tomato mixture just until coarsely pureed.  stir in basil.  season to taste with salt and pepper.

4.  while soup is cooking, place bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and broil about 4 inches below heat until golden brown on top; 1 - 2 minutes.  turn sliced over, brush each well with oil and broil until golden brown on the other side. 

5.  place one slice of toasted bread in the bottom of each soup bowl.  ladle soup over bread and drizzle with oil.

- from the worst italian cooking class ever (but the recipes are good)