Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in the sugar (if using) and dried basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Blend the Soup: Once the soup has simmered and the tomatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. If you like a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture for a more textured result.

Add Cream and Seasonings: Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken and fully combine the flavors.

Garnish and Serve: Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Perfect Grilled Cheese Dippers

Now, let’s talk about the perfect grilled cheese dippers! The sandwich should have a crisp golden exterior and a gooey, melty interior. To achieve this, we recommend using a good quality bread, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or any hearty bread of your choice. Butter the outside of the bread generously for a golden, crispy finish.