Sometimes I think it's good to go back to basics. On this blog I often try and introduce new flavours and I'm always on the lookout for the next nutrient-dense foodstuff to tickle the tastebuds. Although this is certainly no bad thing, I can sometimes overlook the simple things. There are culinary classics that you can go back to time and time again without them failing you. This is one of them. The trusty Roasted Tomato & Basil Soup. And trust me, if there's one version of this recipe to keep on standby - it's this one.
The tomatoes I used were a few different kinds; some Plum, Pomodorino, a few Vittoria. I'd be inclined to suggest using on-the-vine tomatoes as I think they have more flavour than the lighter-coloured off-the-vine ones.
To serve 2 as a main, or 4 as a starter you'll need:
1kg Tomatoes
3 cloves of Garlic
1 med white Onion
1 green Chilli
1 tsp Celery Salt
3-4 tbsp Olive Oil
2 handfuls of Basil leaves
1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Firstly set your oven to 200°c. Add the tomatoes whole to a glass baking dish, pour over 2-3 tbsp of the olive oil then sprinkle with the celery salt and coarse black pepper. Put in the oven to cook for at least 45 minutes. Turn them mid-way through and by the end they should be charring on top, as well as being ridiculously plump and bursting with juiciness. This recipe calls for no additional stock and the liquid all comes from the tasty Toms!
Dice the onion, slice the garlic and chilli then set aside. Pick your basil leaves discarding the stalks and throw these in the bottom of your blender. If you're using a hand blender just set aside until ready to blend.
When the tomatoes have been roasting for nearly 40 minutes heat the remaining olive oil in a deep saucepan. Add the onion and sweat for 5 minutes on a low-med heat. Then add the chilli and garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Remove the tomatoes from the oven and pour into the saucepan. Mix together well then transfer the mix into the blender, pouring over the whole basil leaves. Blend well for 2-3 minutes until smooth then back into the pan. Taste then season before serving steaming hot... I served mine with Cheese on toast for the ultimate in comfort food (it was soooo good!) but you can use your favourite croutons or dippers!
Such a delicious and incredibly simple meal to make. There was a little left over and I plan to use it as pasta sauce tonight with wholewheat fusilli and a little "cheesy" nutritional yeast! Nom nom nom :)
