Munns's Munchies - Tomato Garlic and Ham Soup

If like me, you had a sudden crop of tomatoes grown at home (they always taste better), or if the shops are selling at bargain basement prices, why not make up a batch of soup which can be frozen.

This will provide you with a quick easy nourishing meal when served with fresh crunchy bread/bread roll or just plain old toast.  You can vary to suit your particular taste, like all my foody suggestions it is easy to make. Give it a go.

What you need

1 small/medium onion finely chopped

2 tablespoons of butter (unsalted is best)

1/4 cup of plain flour

1 sachet of tomato puree/paste

2 cups milk

2 cups water

4-5 large or 8-10 small tomatoes

Ham or bacon pieces to taste. Ham or bits of shaved ham. (You could use bacon pieces if you like) 

Salt, Pepper, 1/2 tsp Ground Garlic, 1/2 tsp Parsley flakes, 1/4 tsp Chilli to taste (optional)

1-2 teaspoons sugar

What you do

Cut tomatoes into quarters, remove the stem bases and any imperfections in a bowl 

Add salt and pepper, parsley flakes, ground garlic, (you can use fresh to taste), and 

If you like a bit of bite some ground chilli powder. 

Smash, blitz, or otherwise puree to a liquid. 

In a large pot stock pot or the like, melt the butter slowly

Add onions and saute for 2 - 3 minutes. Don't brown them it will change the taste.

Stir in the flour to coat the onions, reduce heat to low (simmer)

Gradually pour in the milk and water, stir constantly or whisk until the liquid thickens - 2-3 minutes

Add the tomato puree/paste and stir in well.

Add the fresh smashed tomatoes again stir in well.

Blitz the mixture to a smooth consistency, or leave onions a little chunky if you prefer.

Add ham or bacon pieces as you wish

Allow to cook slowly on a low heat for about 30 minutes

Add a cup of water and a cup of milk , mix in well and allow to come to the boil slowly.

Taste and if a little bitter add sugar (1 teaspoon at a time) and combine. This will taste strong it is meant to it is a concentrated mix at this stage.

Allow to cool, then divide up into containers to serve later from the fridge and/or freezer.

To serve

Reheat to the boil add 1 - 2 cups half/half milk and water (you could use cream to make it richer).

Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes

Serve into bowl add a good hunk of Garlic Butter and Enjoy.

Warming and satisfying - Enjoy