Monday Soup

Yes, the last Recipe du Jour was frightening! But it was supposed to be a special Sunday Dinner, so here's a really easy versatile one: Home made Tomato soup! Very versatile, very cheap, very tasty. You'll need:

Two tins of good quality whole plum toms.

An onion, carrot and a stick of celery, all chopped up.

1 tbs Balsamic vinegar, 1 tbs muscovado or brown sugar, worcester sauce, olive oil.

Pinch of chilli and cumin (optional).

Handful of red split lentils.

A pint of chicken or vegetable stock.

Method:

1. Gently fry the onion in a tablespoon of oil until translucent.

2. Add the veg, and fry for a couple of minutes.

3. Add the chilli and cumin, then add the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Stir until the sugar caramelises.

4. Add the red lentils, tomatoes and and stock. (don't break up the tomatoes) - Gently cook with the lid on for 15 mins.

5. Now squash up the tomatoes and add a bit of worcester sauce (no need for added salt).

Eat it as a chunky soup, or blend most of it up to make a great tomato soup (just like out of a tin but nicer). The lentils add extra thickness, so you can add a bit of water to make it more tinned-soup-like, or carry on letting it reduce until you've got a nice thick sauce. You can then use this as a base for pizzas, a topping for pasta or anything that needs tomatoes in. Tip: make lots, and freeze it for when you need it. Low fat, healthy and very cheap!