Warm tomato and basil soup with breadsticks

Make five-course christmas dinner in 2 hours - Part 1.

Ingredients (serves 4):
4 large tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, chopped
6 stalks fresh chives, chopped
1 tsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp tomato puree
1 cup vegetable stock
8 fresh basil leaves
3 tbsp cream
8 breadsticks

Method:
1. Boil the tomatoes in hot water until soft. Remove the skin and set aside.
2. In a heated pan, saute the garlic, onions and chives in butter and olive oil until fragrant.
3. Add in the cooked tomatoes and the tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour into a blender. Add the vegetable stock and blend until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture back into the pan and add 4 basil leaves. Boil for 5 minutes, then stir in 2 tbsp of cream.
6. To serve, spoon into bowls, then add 1 tsp of cream and a basil leaf per bowl. Place breadsticks on the side.

Tips:
If you can't find fresh basil, use dried ones instead.

Recipe source: Simply Her magazine (Dec 2007)