MARINARA MAKEOVER TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon each butter and oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the celery, carrot, onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are lightly browned and soft, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the paprika and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle with salt and a few grinds of pepper.
• Pour the wine over the vegetables and simmer until the wine evaporates, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the marinara and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and then simmer over low heat until all the vegetables are very soft, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet with remaining tablespoons butter and oil over medium high. Place a slice of bread in the skillet and sprinkle the cheese on it. Place the remaining slice of bread on top of the cheese and press down with a spatula. Cook, flipping halfway through, until the cheese melts and both slices of the bread are crispy and golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Cut the cheesy bread into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
• Puree the soup with an immersion blender until completely smooth. Ladle the soup into 4 deep bowls, top with the cheesy croutons and sprinkle with the basil.