Tomato Basil Soup

This is the easiest tomato basil soup recipe you could find.

You very likely have most of these ingredients in your storecupboard, fridge or windowsill.

With the addition of some crusty bread and maybe a salad to start, you have an excellent tea here which will give you four generous portions with second helpings.

Canned tomatoes are more reliably flavored than fresh - if you have a good source of fresh, ripe tomatoes, then you can give it a go - you'd need about 2 to 3lbs and have to skin and chop them. But if you want reliability, then go for the italian peeled plum tomatoes in cans.

2 large cans chopped tomatoes - plum are best
2 chicken stock cubes - I like Knorr
1 pint water
handful fresh basil leaves - finely chopped
1 tablespoon tomato puree
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 pint cream
4 oz butter

Take a large saucepan and pour in the tomatoes.

Dissolve the stock cubes in the boiling water and add to the pan.

Stir in the tomato puree and sugar.

Simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the basil and then turn the heat to low.

Stir in the cream and butter.

Once the butter has melted, give the soup a quick stir and serve immediately.

Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and maybe a swirl of cream.

Delicious and ready in next to no time.

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Tomato Basil Soup - to Recipe Index