Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque

At Noodles & Co I always get their tomato bisque. I love it! Herby, rich and warm, it's perfect! My homemade version isn't as good, I'm pretty sure they use wine in theirs and it gives a wonderful flavour, but it is still really good and I can make 6 servings of it in one go!

Ingredients:
2 T olive oil
1 medium white onion, diced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
3 c chicken stock
3 T chopped basil, divided
3/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
1 Parmesan rind (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 c half and half

In a heavy bottom pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots and let cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, 2 T chopped basil, red pepper flakes and bay leaf. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. If using Parmesan rind, add in now. The Parmesan rind adds this incredible umami flavour. I just freeze the rind whenever I go through a wedge of Parmesan and throw it right in. Cover and let simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and Parmesan rind and discard. Let cool slightly and then blend until it reaches desired consistency. Return to the pot, add half and half and remaining basil. Bring to a boil and then serve