2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes or 2 cans diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil
1/4 cup heavy cream or milk, optional
Heat butter or oil in a pot over medium heat
Add onion and cook until soft
Add garlic and cook briefly
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute
Add tomatoes and broth
Add sugar, salt, pepper, and basil
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes
Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender
Stir in cream or milk if desired
Taste and adjust seasoning
Serve hot