A colourful combination guaranteed to put a spring in your step
Ingredients
For the soup
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tbsp olive oil
700g ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
pinch of sugar
500ml chicken or vegetable stock
A portion salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the pesto
75g pine nuts, toasted
75g Parmesan cheese, grated
75g fresh basil
150ml extra virgin olive oil
A portion salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
Place a large, heavy-based pan over a medium heat, cook the onion and garlic in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes, add the tomatoes, sugar and stock, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, pure the pesto ingredients.
Blend the soup until smooth and season to taste. Serve with a teaspoon of the pesto swirled into each bowl and a few pine nuts sprinkled on top.
Tips: Cheese twists make a delicious accompaniment. Any remaining pesto can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks ─ store in an airtight container and cover the surface with a little olive oil.