Tomato Soup with a Twist

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180º C.
2. Boil sufficient water in a deep non-stick pan. Core out the eyes of the tomatoes and give slight criss cross slits on the bottom side. Put them in the boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and dip them in a bowl of icy water.
3. Drain them again, peel and halve them and squeeze to remove the seeds.
4. Grease a baking tray with a little olive oil and keep the tomato halves in it hollowed side upwards.
5. Keep a basil leaf in each half and 1 garlic clove in only 2-3 of them. Keep the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 10-15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile heat another deep non-stick pan, add tomato puree and 2-3 cups water, mix and let the mixture boil for 2-3 minutes. Add potato and mix well with a wooden spatula till it blends well with the tomato mixture.
7. Add black pepper powder, salt and sugar and mix and cook for 3-5 minutes.
8. Take the tray out of the oven and let it cool a little. Transfer into a blender jar, add a little water and blend till smooth. Add to the tomato mixture in the pan and mix well.
9. Adjust consistency by adding a little water and mix and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
10. Strain into a third deep non-stick pan, pressing the residue through the strainer with the spatula. Heat the soup till it just comes to a boil.
11. Transfer into serving bowls, garnish with a heart shaped crouton and a basil sprig in each bowl and serve piping hot.

Additional Tips and Tricks