This is the basic method for making a whole bunch of different tomato soups - just change the seasonings (suggestions below). The beauty of this recipe is that it is quick and easy - like, really quick and really easy. The tomatoes can be boiled (and sieved if you like) the night before and kept in the fridge. But, before we go any further, have you got a sieve? If not, forget it - go look at the other tomato soup recipe.
I shouldn't have to say this, but try to use good tomatoes - nice red ones. It will make a difference.
Ingredients
1 kg tomatoes
4 - 5 cloves of garlic (more if you like) finely chopped
1/2 tsp. whole cumin seeds
Vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Pack the whole tomatoes into a pot and add water to cover the bottom third/half. Bring to the boil then turn down to a very gentle simmer and put the lid on. Cook for about 20 minutes or until the tomatoes begin to split and break up. Take off the heat and leave to cool a little.
Push the tomatoes with the cooking water through a sieve into a large bowl, or another pot, with the back of a ladle or something similar. This will take 5 or 10 minutes and you'll be left with a handful of skin and seeds.
Heat the sieved tomatoes again and while that's happening, heat some vegetable oil in a small frying pan. When the oil is very hot, throw in the cumin seeds and lift the pan off the heat. Chuck in the garlic and return to the heat (reduced a little) and stir until the garlic is starting to turn golden and the pieces stick together. Throw the lot into the pan with the tomatoes, which should be starting to boil by now, and simmer for 5 or 10 minutes. Add salt and the soup is ready.
Alternative seasonings:
How about finely chopped onions and/or green chillies instead of garlic? Coriander seeds and a piece of cinnamon stick instead of cummin? Fresh herbs can also be added just before serving. Try fresh basil or green corriander. A cup of fresh orange juice is lovely with the green corriander. You can add milk/cream/yoghurt too, just before serving. Use your imagination and see what you come up with.