Tomato Soup

We all love tomato soup, but do we know that tomato is actually a fruit and not a vegetable as the popular belief is. Tomatoes attribute to a slew of health benefits fighting cancer being one of them. It is rich with a vital anti-oxidant called Lycopene that prevents harmful formation of cancerous cells within the body. Tomatoes are full with fibers which help regulate the blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Another interesting fact about tomato is that it is available in every color possible save blue. Indeed, inclusion of tomato in your daily diet solves many of your health concerns.

Ingredients:                                              Cooking time: 25 minutes ü  25 gm butter ü  1 tsp olive oil ü  1 small onion (chopped) ü  450 gm tomatoes coarsely chopped ü  1 bay leaf ü  3 tbsp all-purpose flour ü  2 1/2 cups of milk ü  Salt to taste ü  Black pepper powder to taste ü  1/2 tsp nutmeg powder ü  A pinch of dried basil leaves Method: 1) Melt butter in a pan. Add the flour and cook, stirring continuously for 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually stir in the milk. Return to the heat, season with salt and pepper powder. Bring it to a boil, stirring continuously. Continue to cook, stirring, until smooth and thickened. Keep aside when done. 2) Meanwhile, in another pan, heat olive oil. Add the onion and shallow fry till translucent. Toss in the tomatoes and bay leaf. Add nutmeg powder and cook till tomatoes soften. 3) Now transfer the tomato mixture into a blender and blend into a puree. 4) Return the puree to the heat and bring it to a boil. Gently stir the milk mixture into it. There is no need to add water if you like soup thickened. If you like semi thick consistency, add required amount of water and simmer away for 2 minutes. 5) Finally, add the dried basil leaves and mix in. 6) Ladle into soup bowls and serve warm.