Welcome Summer! This soup is definitely a labour of love. It takes about two hours to prepare. But most of the time can be spent curled up with a good book and a pipe, enjoying the aromas.

2 onions, diced

1/2 c shredded cabbage

4 c beef or chicken broth

1 T butter6 ripe tomatoes, diced

1 t sugar1 clove garlic, minced

1/8 c fresh thyme (1/4 t dried)

1/4 c fresh basil (1/2 t dried)

2 t salt

2 t pepper

1/4 c flour

1 c sour cream

Simmer the onion, cabbage, broth and butter for 1 hour in a large saucepan. Stir in the tomatoes, sugar, garlic, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 45 minutes. Puree the tomato mixture. Return to the saucepan. Mix the flour and sour cream and stir into the tomato mixture a little at a time. Simmer until thickened. Serves four.

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