Easy Tomato Soup

At this time of year it is always good to have recipes for using up quantities of over ripe tomatoes. Tomato soup is a favourite with everyone and I find this recipe as easy and tasty as any. These quantities serve 4.

Ingredients:
1kg ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped quite small
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp tomato paste (purée)
1 chilli, finely shredded
1 tbsp finely chopped basil or oregano
Salt & pepper

Method:

1. Sweat the onion and garlic in the oil then add the rest of the ingredients.
2. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
3. Uncover and simmer until reduced to a suitable consistency.
4. At this stage you can run it through a food mill if you want a smoother soup with no seeds.
5. Serve with a swirl of cream.
6. Any leftovers can be reduced a bit more and used as a sauce for pasta or fried snacks.

Susan