TOMATO AND MINT SOUP

Tomato and Mint Soup image

Provided by jordangenevieve

Time 40m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped finely
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 dried lime leaves / 2 fresh bay leaves
12 tomatoes, finely chopped (6 beef tomatoes and 6 Roma tomatoes gives a richer taste to the end product)
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp cake flour
200ml milk
400ml chicken stock
1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tbsp sugar
100ml fresh cream (optional)
fresh mint leaves, to serve

Steps:

Heat the oil and saute the onion and garlic until softened, about 20 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 - 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan, add the flour and stir for 1 minute, over medium heat. Slowly pour in the milk and stock, stirring continuously until smooth. Cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add the sauce to the tomato mixture and discard the lime/bay leaves. Mix in the chopped mint, sugar and cream (if using). Gently simmer for another 5 minutes.
Garnish with mint leaves and serve with crusty bread.