Roasted Tomato & Basil Soup

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• 3 lbs tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 chopped yellow onion
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• sprinkle of Cayenne
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (I couldn't find that much basil)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 3/4 cup fat free cottage cheese, blended till smooth

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss together the tomatoes, 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the tomatoes in 1 layer on a baking sheet and roast for 45 minutes.

In an large stockpot over medium heat, saute the onions and garlic with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the butter, and cayenne for 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Add the canned tomatoes, basil, thyme, and chicken stock. Add the oven-roasted tomatoes, including the liquid on the baking sheet. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes. Blend up and stir in cottage cheese. Serve with  dollop of sour cream. 

Recipe adapted from The Barefoot Contessa