This is one of my favourite soups to make. Its light, fresh & tastes just wonderful, especially with some thick buttery toast on the side. One of my favourite things about slow cooking is that the aroma fills your house with such devine smells all day long, & this soup is no exception! Bonus – it only takes a few minutes to put together.

serves 4

Ingredients :

1kg fresh roma tomatoes (or any good quality tomatoes)

1/2 cup tomato paste

1 cup vegetable stock

1ts unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 Bay leaf

1TBS sugar

1/4 cup packed basil leaves

1/2 cup milk

1TBS olive oil

salt & pepper to taste

Method:

Add olive oil to a large saucepan & cook on medium heat until it starts to shimmer. Once oil begins to shimmer, in batches, place tomatoes cut-side down. Season with salt & pepper. Cook until lightly charred, then transfer to slow cooker. Continue until all tomatoes have been charred. Add tomato paste & garlic to saucepan, cook on low heat for one minute, stirring regularly. Transfer to slow cooker.

add all remaining ingredients to slow cooker & cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3.

blend soup into proffered consistency, to serve, garnish with a dollop of cream, extra basil leaves & freshly ground pepper.

Enjoy!