Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!)

Ingredients (11)

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 large can (28 ounces) whole tomatoes, with their liquid
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup cooked Great Northern beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into a few pieces
• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or brown sugar, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• For the tomato-basil variation (optional): 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves, to taste