Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 3 1/2 lbs ripe roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 cups fresh vegetable broth
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half

Method

  • Melt the butter with the oil over low heat in a pot.
  • Add the onion; wilt over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Add the garlic during the last 2 minutes, stirring.
  • Sprinkle with flour and cook 3 minutes longer, stirring.
  • Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and broth.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover; cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes.
  • Season with cloves, salt, and pepper.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Puree the soup in a food processor or blender, a small portion at a time.
  • Pour through a strainer into a pot.
  • Stir in the half-and-half.
  • Warm the soup before serving.