Creating a bowl of Cream of Tomato Soup is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to enjoy this delightful dish:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
4. Incorporate Broth: Add the vegetable broth to the mixture. Bring to a gentle boil.
5. Season: Stir in the sugar (if using), dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
6. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender.
7. Add Cream: Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat, then stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Let it warm for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor.

These simple instructions guide you to achieve a delicious Cream of Tomato Soup in no time!