Tomato & Basil Soup

I truly love soups so welcome the onset of slightly colder days to enjoy them to the fullest.  What can be better than a steaming bowl of goodness for a delicious and healthy lunch?

This one is simplicity itself!

 
Sweat down a diced red onion with a couple of cloves of garlic in a little olive oil, be patient as you want the flavour to be sweet.  Add some very ripe freshly chopped tomatoes and simmer down until slightly pulpy. Secret ingredient here, a good knob of butter which makes the soup taste very creamy.Then in goes a generous tblsp of tomato purée (I buy Italian homemade, available everywhere here but definitely in delis near you) and a few leaves of fragrant basil. You can add a little sugar or honey, if the tomatoes are really ripe they shouldn’t be acidic so no need. As always follow your taste buds! 

Then cover with vegetable stock and simmer for 10 mins.  Blend, check seasoning and serve. I added a little creme fraiche and a few drops of chilli oil – perfect lunch with half a scotch egg baked earlier today.