Tomato-Basil Soup

I love it when the kids have no idea they're eating a vegan meal and this one fits into that category. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

4 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tbsp. olive oil
2-14 oz. cans diced tomatoes or 4 cups fresh, chopped tomato
6 oz. tomato paste
1 cup water
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sweetener of choice (I recently used date syrup)
1/4 cup coconut milk
3 tbsp. fresh basil, julienned

Sauté garlic in olive oil on medium heat until fragrant and golden in color. Add the tomatoes, paste, water, broth, salt, sweetener and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes on medium-low heat.

Meanwhile in a blender place the coconut milk and basil. Once soup has simmered the 10 minutes pour into the blender and puree until smooth and no large chunks can be seen. This may have to be done in batches. Enjoy!