GIN AND TOMATO SOUP

What better way to cure winter chills and Sunday blues than with a warm bowl of soup? Tipsy tomato soup is so simple to make yet incredibly flavourful. I love a tasty tomato soup and the gin was just a genius addition. When I found the recipe, I knew that I had to try it.

Gin & Tomato Soup

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1kg ripe plum tomatoes, halved
• 60ml gin
• 3 cups vegetable stock or water
• 1 pinch light muscovado sugar, optional
• 1 cup cream
• salt and black pepper

METHOD:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over a medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes until golden.
2. Add the tomatoes and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes or so until well heated through and just beginning to break down.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Pour the gin into the pan and allow to reduce by half, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the vegetable stock or water and allow to reduce by half again. Blitz with a hand blender to a smooth purée.
6. Season to taste. Only add sugar if you think the soup needs it.
7. To serve, add the cream to the soup and allow to warm through. Garnish each bowl as desired.

Ta da! … So much tomato goodness in one bowl. Serve with homemade bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. It almost makes winter worth it.

Cheers and Bon appétit!