Tomato & Basil Soup

Tomato & Basil Soup

Ingredients -

20-24 medium sized tomatoes

24        fresh basil leaves

2          bay leaves

20        black peppercorns

2          medium onions sliced

8          cloves garlic, chopped

2          medium carrots, roughly chopped

2          table spoons gram flour (besan)

2          tea spoons sugar

            salt to taste

Method -

·                    Heat a non-stick pan.Add bay leaves, half the peppercorns and onions and roast until the onions turn translucent.

·                    Add garlic , 3 TB spoons of water.Stir and add carrots and tomatoes.

·                    Reserve 6 basil leaves for garnishing and add the rest to the tomatoes.Stir and add salt.

·                    Cook on medium heat till the tomatoes soften.Add 3 cups of water and bring to boil.Cover and cook for 10-15 mins.

·                    Pass mixture through the stainer and reserve the liquid.Remove peppercorns and bay leaves from the residue and allow it to cool.Process in a blender to get smooth puree.

·                    Roase gram flour in another pan till fragrant.add the pureed tomatoes and mix.Add reserved liquid and adjust consistency.

·                    Place the pan on heat .Add sugar , salt and remaining peppercorn freshly crushed, and let the soup simmer for couple of mins.Strain and bring to boil again.

·                    Garnish with reserved basil leaves and serve piping hot.