A rich and creamy tomato soup with a hint of spice, perfect for a cozy meal.
Melt the butter in a casserole over medium heat.
Ensure the butter doesn't brown for a smoother flavor.
Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the casserole and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Cut the vegetables into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Add the tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Let the soup cool slightly, then blend it in batches until smooth.
Blend in small batches to avoid spills and ensure a smooth texture.
Return the blended soup to the casserole, stir in half of the heavy cream, and warm over low heat.
Stir gently to avoid curdling the cream.
Whip the remaining heavy cream in a small bowl until soft peaks form.
Chill the bowl and whisk for better whipping results.
Serve the soup warm, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.