Tomato and Basil Soup

This cold weather always makes us yearn for something warm and comforting. Nothing fits the description better than a steaming bowl of soup,that warms from within. This Tomato and Basil soup is a slow simmered soup, which brings simple flavours together.

You will need:

1 tbsp Olive oil

2 tbsp Butter

1 Onion, finely chopped

2 lbs ripe plum tomatoes

1 clove Garlic, chopped

3½ cups Vegetable stock

2 tbsp sun dried tomato paste

2 tbsp Shredded Basil

2/3 cup Heavy cream

Salt and pepper

Heat the oil and butter in a large pan. Add the onions and sauté until soft and ranslucent, but not browned. Stir in the chopped tomatoes,garlic, stock, sun dried tomato paste, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then lower heat, half cover the pan and let simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Process the soup with the shredded basil in a blender or a food processor. Then press through a fine sieve into a clean pan. Add the cream and heat through, stirring. Do not allow the soup to boil. Check the consistency and add more stock if necessary, season with more salt and pepper. Pour into bowls and serve immediately.

Garnish with fresh cream or fresh basil. I ran out of fresh basil so I made do with cilantro instead. Also I've garnished with fresh cream, a few drops of it and then run a toothpick through to get this design.

This has the refreshing flavour of fresh basil and the hint of garlic makes it scrumptious to the last sip. A sure warmer for a cold cold day!