Homemade tomato soup

It's simple and very delicious to make. Must have a hand held blender. Perfect low calorie dinner, this with a slice of bread (optional), and an apple, cheddar cheese. Very cheap to make, buy second tomatoes at the market (1-1.25 a pound), skin them (score them, boiling water for 20 seconds), chop. I leave the seeds in - extra fiber makes everybody happy.

Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
1 medium chopped onion
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 lb. fresh tomatoes seeded and chopped OR one 51⁄2 oz. can chopped tomatoes, drained
1 pinch ground red pepper
1 teaspoon fresh or dried basil
2 cups milk (optional) I like to sub with chicken broth instead
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, cook onion in oil over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown, about 4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Add chopped tomatoes.
3. Cook uncovered over medium heat for 10 minutes.
4. Spoon 3⁄4 of mixture into food processor or blender container; puree until smooth. Return to saucepan.
5. Add red pepper, basil, and milk or broth to the soup. Heat until hot but do not boil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.