Veggie Lovers Tomato Basil Soup by Tidbits

– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small bulb of fennel, coarsely chopped – just shy of 1 cup
– 1 carrot, coarsely chopped
– 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
– 2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
– 4 cloves garlic
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 bay leaf
– 2-3 inch piece of parmesan rind
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 (28 ounce) can whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) or 2 pounds fresh tomatoes
– 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato puree
– 15 ounce can diced tomatoes or 1 pound fresh tomatoes diced
– 1/4 cup (packed) fresh basil, cut into ribbons

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 45 min