Faux Fresh Tomato Soup

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.

Add the chopped onion and carrot to the hot oil, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the softened vegetables.

Stir in the tomato purée until fully incorporated into the broth, breaking up any clumps.

Add the dried basil, sugar, and white pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the soup.

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more basil, sugar, or white pepper to balance flavors.

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.