Basic Tomato Soup

Basic tomato soup.

You will need:

1 32 oz can tomatoes (I usually buy the 365 brand from whole foods)

1 box vegetable broth (I usually buy the 365 brand from whole foods)

5 ripe tomatoes (chopped)

1 Teaspoon pepper

20 cloves garlic (chopped in 2)

1 big onion or 2 small ones (cubed)

3 bay leaves

2 teaspoon oil

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt - as needed

The Process:

In a pan, heat the oil, and add the cumin when the oil is hot, let it sputter and then add the garlic, onion and saute for 5 to 6 mins on a medium flame, then add the bay leaves, pepperand then add the tomatoes and the can tomatoes. Let it all come to a rolling boil, add the salt.

At this point, I usually transfer the contents in to a pressure cooker and give it 2 whistles. If you dont want to do that, keep on a medium flame and then keep on simmer for at least 20 mins, to let it all come together. But make sure the water doesnt evaporate and burn it down. You can add an extra cup of water so it does not happen.

Once the pressure is off, in the pressure cooker / or after 20 mins in the pan,
Fish the bay leaves out and then add the vegetable broth to this and with an immersion hand blender blend it all in to a smooth puree. If you don't have an immersion blender, use a food processor to blend it.

Add a little water if its a little thick for you, and taste for salt; serve with croutons...