The BEST Tomato Soup

Lately, I've been seeing those Progresso commercials that call themselves the grown-up version of Campbell's. Well, this is the ultimate grown-up version of tomato soup, slightly altered from Bill Telepan. I personally can't go back to the canned variety after I made this for the first time. And no, it doesn't feature current fresh vegetables, but think of it again next summer when tomatoes are ripe.

Tomato Bread Soup
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 28 oz cans diced tomatoes, OR 3 lbs plum tomatoes, quartered, and run through a food processor
2 cups sourdough bread, crusts removed & cubed
salt and pepper to taste
ricotta salata cheese, grated (optional, but it makes the soup)
fresh basil, chifonnaded (optional)

Heat oil in the bottom of a stockpot. Add onion and garlic, sautee until softened. Add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer covered for 30 minutes (45 if using fresh tomatoes). Stir in bread cubes, and simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes.

Garnish with cheese and basil.

Serves 4-6.