- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 5 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Thinly sliced fresh basil (optional)
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, oregano, thyme, and garlic; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in tomato and next 5 ingredients (tomato through pepper). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes.
- Place half of soup in a blender or food processor; process until smooth, and pour into a bowl. Repeat procedure with the remaining soup. Serve warm or chilled. Sprinkle with fresh basil, if desired.