Rich and Delicious Fresh Tomato Soup

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best, particularly when it comes to comfort food. On long, cold, winter nights nothing beats a warm, nourishing bowl of soup to cheer you up and banish the chills. This healthy, fresh tomato soup recipe is one of my favourite easy meals to knock up when time is short and the nights are long. It is one of the best quick meals for dinner, kid and budget friendly, and just the trick if you are struggling for inspiration on what to cook.

With simple, healthy meal recipes like this, the key is in the seasoning and the quality of the ingredients. Go for good quality, fresh tomatoes, and combine it with a sharp cheddar cheese and crusty bread to accompany it.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp of oil (olive or sunflower)
• 1 tbsp of butter
• 2 tbsp of flour
• 1 tbsp of tomato puree
• 5 tomatoes (peeled and blended)
• 1 carrot and 1 stick of celery
• 1 clove of garlic (crushed)
• 1/2 cup of milk
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper
• 4 cups of water (1 cup could be replaced with broth or stock)

TO SERVE

• Cheddar Cheese

METHOD:

• In a large heavy-based pan heat the oil and butter. Add the flour, and stir until the flour turns golden (be careful not to let it burn). Then add the tomato puree, and continue to stir for 1 more minute. Add the blended tomatoes, the carrot, the celery stick and the garlic. Cook until they are soft and faintly coloured. Add the water, salt and pepper. Cook gently for 25 minutes, stirring a couple of times. Finally, turn off the heat and add the milk, use blender to break down the ingredients into a soup. Serve it with grated cheddar cheese.

Good dinner recipes for two are seldom easier than this one. When creating healthy habits, it is really important to find tasty recipes that are easy to make, but satisfying and comforting as well…and this delicious soup ticks all the boxes! Not every meal you make has to have a thousand ingredients, and with good quality vegetables and a bit of love, this fresh tomato soup recipe should become a staple of your winter mealtimes, just as it is with me. Enjoy!

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