Fresh Tomato And Basil Soup

Ingredients:
250gms of chopped fresh tomatoes
1/2 tin of plum tomatoes
small onion , peeled,chopped
1 small carrot , chopped
1 celery stick,chopped
3tbsp- olive oil
1 vegetable stock cube
Water as required
1 large bunch of basil
salt and pepper , to taste
Fresh cream and few basil sprigs to garnish


Method:
1.Chop all the veggies and keep it aside
2.Heat oil in a pan. Allow to heat and add the onions, carrots and the celery. Stir well. Cook gently until soft.
3.Put the diced fresh tomatoes to the pan, and allow to cook for a few minutes. Add the plum tomatoes, veggie stock cube and add water to cover and stir again. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn down the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20minutes.
4.Place the basil on the chopping board and strip the leaves from the stalk. Since the basil is going to be roughly blended, tear the leaves in half with your fingers.
5.Open the pan lid and add half of the basil leaves. Stir and then replace the pan lid and cook for a further 10 minutes.
6.Once cooked, allow the contents to cool down for a few minutes before adding the remaining half of the fresh basil. Stir, season with salt and pepper, and stir again.

7.In a blender, blend the soup on high power for a couple of minutes until it takes on a smooth, velvety texture. If desired,make it thin by adding water or stock.Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh cream and fresh basil sprigs.
8.Serve hot or chilled with any crusty bread.