Instructions

  1. In a large pot, melt butter. Add onion, garlic, carrot and red pepper and cook 3 to 5 minutes, until vegetables are softened and proscuitto is crisp.
  2. Stir in flour and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Add canned tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, spices and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf.
  4. In a food processor or blender, in batches, puree soup (optional.) Return to saucepan and stir in half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste and heat an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Serve.