Spicy Tomato & Basil Soup

 

This is only mildly spicy to the asbestos Harvey palates, so you may wish to reduce the amount of spice that you start with, and gradually build up to 2 teaspoons.

 

Preparation:    5 minutes

Cooking:         20 minutes

 

 

 

Ingredients:

4 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves

1kg (2lbs) tomatoes

1 tsp piri-piri, Tabasco or chilli sauce

2 tbsp tomato puree

2 slices bread

6 – 8 fresh basil leaves

 

Slice the garlic and fry in the olive oil in a large pan for 1 minute.

 

Meanwhile, halve the tomatoes. Add to the pan, add the piri-piri (or alternative) and cook on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 

Add the tomato puree and 425ml (¾ pint) of water. Season to taste.

 

Bring to the boil and add the bread until it is thoroughly mixed in. Turn off the heat and allow to stand for 5 minutes, before adding the basil.

 

Pour into a blender and liquidize. More water will give a runnier constituency.