Cream Of Tomato Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots or 1/2 cup onion
2 garlic cloves
3 cups chicken broth or 3 cups vegetable broth
3 cups crushed canned tomatoes
1/2 cup half-and-half
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley

Preparation

Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and saute until soft, approx 3 minute Add broth and tomatoes, bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer uncoverd for 25 min or until mixture begins to thicken.
Remove from heat. Process in 2 batches in a blender until smooth. Return to pot and heat over med heat until soup is warmed thoroughly.Stir in half and half and 1 Tbsp of butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve topped with parsley and toasted saltines.