Tomato Basil Soup

This is a really interesting blend of flavors.  It's a soup we made at a restaurant I worked at in Minnesota and was very popular with our customers.  The original recipe calls for using star anise, but you can use anise seeds if you prefer.  And while fresh basil is always best, you can use dried if that's all you have (especially in the winter when fresh is not in abundance like it is in the summertime).  This is one of the easiest soups I make, taking virtually minutes to put together and on the table.

You could certainly top this with some croutons and/or Parmesan cheese, but personally, I like the simplicity of the original recipe.

TOMATO BASIL SOUP (4-6 servings)

1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1 tsp minced garlic
1/2 Tbsp butter
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (I prefer petite diced)
1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 star anise, or 1 tsp anise seeds
2 Tbsp freshly chopped basil, or 2 tsp dried
1/2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp pepper
1 dash hot sauce, optional

Saute onion in butter and then add garlic.  Add all the remaining ingredients and simmer until hot.