Terrific Tomato Soup

I think most people have childhood memories of tomato soup – probably Heinz – and its comforting qualities. It must be the soup equivalent of a hug in a bowl. However most canned soups seem to contain milk or cream, so here’s my easy store cupboard version that packs a punch of flavour and will take you right back to those Sunday evenings in front of the telly! (Or was it just my family who ate a simple Sunday evening meal in front of the tv?)

Terrific Tomato Soup (dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, soya-free, sesame-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1/2 stick celery, peeled and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• Pinch of oregano
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 tins chopped tomatoes, good quality
• 400ml or 1 tins volume of vegetable stock
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 branch of basil
• Sugar, salt, pepper to taste

– Sweat the onion, carrot, celery and pinch of salt in the oil until soft
– Add the garlic and oregano and cook until fragrant.
– Stir in the tomato purée and continue to cook for a couple of minutes
– Pour in the tomatoes and stock
– Add the basil and balsamic vinegar
– Simmer gently for about 15 minutes
– Blitz with a hand held blender
– Taste and adjust the seasoning.