But homemade also holds quite a strong place in my list of favourite dishes. And when you are having a simple meal like soup it is special to know it has been homemade. I have two recipes for tomatoe soup - one is my 'easy peasy' version and one is my 'posh visitors coming to tea' version. The one below is 'easy peasy' which I had yesterday after my first bike ride since New Year and was starving but craving something light and healthy so as not to undo all the good work of the excercise!
2 cans chopped tomatoes
half an onion
red pepper finely chopped
3 cloves garlic
mixed herbs
olive oil
vegetable stock
in a large pan saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until just cooked
add the red pepper and cook for five minutes
add the tomatoes, mixed herbs and vegetable stock
bring to a simmer then let cool for five minutes
pop into the food processor and blitz to your desired consistency. I don't like mine completely smooth.
transfer back to the pot and either leave to eat later on or reheat slowly until it reaches a gentle simmer.
simmer for 15 minutes.
serve with fresh crusty bread and a swirl of cream or creme fraiche on top of the soup.
