Tomato and Coriander Soup

Although soups are not often created in India, tomato soups bucks the trend and it is very popular. This is excellent on a cold winter day.










Ingredients

* 675g tomatoes, peeled and chopped
* 15ml oil
* 1 bay leaf
* 4 spring onions, chopped
* 1tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp crushed garlic
* 1tsp crushed black pepper
* 2tsp chopped corriander
* 750 ml generous 3 cups of water
* 1 tbsp cornflour
* 30ml single light cream to garnish

1. To peel the tomatoes, plunge them in very hot water, leave for 30seconds and take them out. The skin should now peel off easily. If not put the tomatoes back in the water for a little longer. Once peeled chopp the tomatoes.
2. In a medium heavy pan, heat the oil and fry the tomatoes, bay leaf and spring onions for a few minutes until soft.
3. Gradually add the salt, garlic, pepper and corrinader. Pour in the water. Stir and simmer gently over a low heat for 15-20 minutes.
4. Meanwhile disolve the cornflour in a little cold waterto form a thick cream paste.
5. Remove the soup from the heat and leave to cool slightly for a few minutes. Press through a sieve, or puree in a blender or food processor.
6. Returned the pureed soup to the pan, add the cornflour mixture and stir over a gentle heat for about 3 minutes, until thickened.
7. Pour the soup into individual dishes and garnish with cream. Serve hot.