Creamy Delicious Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• 3 cups tomato juice, divided
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, very finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or finely chopped)
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (or adjust to taste)
• 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped fine
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a bowl combine 2 cups tomato juice with crushed tomatoes and milk.
2. In a saucepan melt the butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add in onion and saute until softened (about 3 minutes).
4. Add in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook stirring for 2 minutes.
5. Add in flour and stir for 1 minute.
6. Slowly add in the tomato/milk mixture whisking constantly to remove any lumps; bring to a boil stirring frequently until bubbly and thickened, then season with sugar, salt and pepper (the mixture will be quite thick).
7. Reduce heat to low, add in remaining 1 cup of tomato juice (or more) and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
8. If the soup is still too thick for your liking add in more tomato juice.
9. A few minute before serving, add the fresh chopped basil.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste while cooking.