Tomato Basil Soup

This is from a little lunch room in Nashville called "The Picnic". I always have this when i go there.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 4  tablespoons butter
• 1⁄4 large onion, chopped
• 6  large tomatoes, chopped
• 1  quart tomato juice
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons  chopped fresh basil
• 2 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄2 cup  sliced mushrooms
• 2  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. in a heavy saucepan , melt butter.
2. add onions and saute over low heat until soft.
3. add the next five ingredients and simmer for 45 minutes
4. Add mushrooms and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Ladle into soup bowls and garnish with parmesan cheese and a basil leaf.