Tomato Herb Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cloves garlic ($0.16)
• 1/4 cup olive oil ($0.64)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano ($0.05)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil ($0.05)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme ($0.05)
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary ($0.03)
• 1 pinch red pepper (crushed, $0.02)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked, $0.03)
• 1 6oz. can tomato paste ($0.39)
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar ($0.02)
• 1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes ($0.79)
• 3 cups vegetable broth ($0.39)

Instructions

1. Mince the garlic and add it to a sauce pot along with the olive oil, oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, and freshly cracked pepper. Turn the heat on to medium-low and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic has softened.
2. Add the tomato paste and brown sugar. Stir until everything is mixed (the oil may stay partially separated). Cook the mixture while stirring continuously for 3-5 minutes, or until the tomato paste takes on a darker, almost burgundy hue.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Whisk the mixture together until smooth. Turn the heat up to medium and heat through, stirring occasionally. Serve hot.