Ingredients

1/2oz Butter

8 Fresh Tomatoes, peeled and quartered

1 stalk Celery, diced

1 Carrot, peeled and diced

1 Onion, finely chopped

2 pints Water

1 Bay leaf

1 whole clove of Garlic

1 tsp Salt

Freshly Ground Pepper

Method

Heat butter large saucepan.

Saute the onion, carrot and celery for 10 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and cook for a further10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add  the water, bay leaf, garlic, pepper and salt.

Bring to boil, cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Discard garlic and bay leaf.

Blitz with a hand blender until smooth.

Cover and simmer for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooks Comments and Tips

Serve with croutons made from slices of French bread fried in butter, or a small swirl of cream.