Creamy Tomato Soup With Crispy Croutons

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (28-oz.) cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 (14-oz.) can chicken broth
• 1 (5-oz.) package Brie without rind, cut into pieces*
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• Chopped fresh basil (optional)
• Crispy Croutons

Preparation

1. 1. Sauté diced onion in 2 Tbsp. hot oil in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat 8 minutes or until tender; add minced garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Increase heat to medium-high; stir in chopped tomatoes and chicken broth, and bring mixture to a boil. Simmer, stirring often, 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Allow tomato mixture to cool 10 minutes; stir in Brie pieces until melted.
2. 2. Process soup with immersion blender until smooth.
3. 3. Cook soup over medium-low heat until thoroughly heated. Stir in salt, pepper, and, if desired, chopped fresh basil. Serve with Crispy Croutons.
4. *2 (3-oz.) packages cream cheese may be substituted for Brie.
5. Note: For testing purposes only, we used Alouette Crème de Brie.
6. Crispy Croutons: Thinly slice 1 French bread baguette. Brush cut sides with olive oil; place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden. Prep: 5 min., Bake: 10 min.