Basil and tomato have flavours that go together ideally and this soup is a perfect example of that. Tomatoes are always best fresh from the garden but in a soup canned tomatoes really are just as good. Buy good quality Italian tomatoes and you will have the best flavour and sweetness. Fresh basil is essential and it should be chopped and added to the soup only a few minutes before serving for maximum taste.
If you plan to freeze this basil and tomato soup then remember not to add the cream before freezing. Add the cream after the soup has been defrosted and you are warming it up.
400g can of chopped tomatoes |
250ml (just under half a pint) of vegetable or chicken stock |
1 medium onion |
1 medium carrot |
1 garlic clove |
3 tablespoons olive oil |
2 tablespoons of double cream |
A handful of basil |
1 tablespoon of tomato concentrate |
2 teaspoons of sugar (optional) |
Salt and pepper to taste |