I like to boil water and drop in the whole tomatoes for about 20 seconds, remove and core and pull the skins off but you can also add some olive oil to sheet pan and roast tomatoes if desired.
While tomatoes are being prepared, melt butter in skillet and saute the onions, peppers and garlic to soften.
To prepare the tomatoes, I like to mash the tomatoes with hand held potato masher because that is how my Gma did it, but you could use a hand blender or immersion blender. Gma always wanted her tomato soup with small chunks of tomatoes rather than be completely smooth. The choice is whatever your preference is.
To a medium pot add the chicken broth and bring to a boil
Add the soft onions, garlic and peppers followed by the tomatoes, dried (or fresh) herbs, sugar or soda and salt & pepper.
At this point you may add the dairy of your choice, using as much or as little as needed for desired consistency. You may even omit the dairy.
You can garnish with parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, green onions, sour cream or tortillas strips
