Tony Sobieski's Tomato Soup

Place 3 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a soup kettle; heat over a low flame.

Peel and dice the onions.

Saute the onions in the soup kettle, sprinkling them with thyme, basil, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally.

Cut and mash the tomatoes in a bowl.

When the onions are yellowed and soft, stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste; simmer for 10 minutes.

Pour 1/4 cup of chicken stock into a small bowl; stir in the flour.

Add this liquid to the tomatoes and onions, mixing well.

Add the remainder of the chicken stock to the tomatoes, stirring well.

Cover the soup kettle; simmer the soup over low heat for 30 minutes.