Frugal Meals #1 The easiest tomato soup you’ll ever make

Now I’ve managed to pull myself out of my winter stupor enough to be interested in cooking decent meals again I’m determined not to break the bank with organic food. Therefore, as always I’m on a mission to buy and cook good, wholesome, healthy, organic meals each day on a budget.
It’s not going to be easy as food prices have gone up noticeably in our local shops (I paid £2.69 for one organic red pepper the other day!) so that means I have been busy rummaging through my emergency ‘frugal meals’ recipes, and thought I would let you in on the best over the next few weeks.

Tomato Soup Recipe

This is definitely one of the easiest tomato soup recipes you will ever come across. I love my soups really creamy but I hardly ever had cream in my fridge unless I buy it especially. This recipe is fab because it tastes creamy without using cream and uses things that tend to be regular store cupboard ingredients. It’s cheap and quick and is perfect if you’re in a rush and have forgotten to make a starter.

(Recipe and photo from BBC Goodfood)

You will need:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion , chopped
1 garlic clove , finely chopped
1 tbsp tomato purée
400g can chopped tomatoes
handful basil leaf
pinch baking soda
600ml milk

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan, then tip in the onion and garlic. Cook over a moderate heat until the onion has softened, about 5 mins. Stir in the tomato purée, then pour in the chopped tomatoes and basil leaves, and bring up to the boil. Turn the heat down and leave to simmer for about 15 mins until thick and full of flavour. If you like a smooth soup, whizz the mixture at this point to form a smooth sauce. Can now be cooled and frozen for up to 1 month.

2. To finish the soup, tip the tomato mixture into a pan. Spoon the baking soda into a small bowl and pour over 1 tbsp or so of the milk. Mix together until there are no lumps, then tip into the tomato mix and pour over the milk. Bring up to a boil (the mixture will froth, but don’t worry – it will go away). Gently simmer for about 5 mins until ready to serve.