Tuscan Tomato Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 c. olive oil
4 Tbsp. butter
4 carrots, finely diced
4 stalks celery, diced
3 medium onions, minced
1/2 c. parsley, chopped
3 qt. canned tomatoes with juice or 14 large, ripe tomatoes, peeled and seeded
6 leaves fresh basil (optional)
salt and freshly ground pepper

Preparation

Heat oil and butter in a heavy saucepan.
Cook carrots, celery and onions about 20 minutes or until tender.
Add tomatoes and continue cooking over moderate heat 25 to 30 minutes.
Stir in parsley and basil.
Season with salt and pepper.
Cook a minute or so longer and serve hot.