Roast Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

Method

• step 1

  Pre heat oven to 200ÃÂC/gas mark 4. Place the pepper & onion halves (cut side down) along with the plum tomatoes & garlic cloves into a baking tray & drizzle with the olive oil. Bake at the top of your oven for 30 mins or until the vegetables are roasted & tender.

• step 2

  Meanwhile melt down the butter in a large pan over a medium heat and saute the chopped celery for 4-5 mins. Not too hot, don't burn the butter.

• step 3

  Make up the vegetable stock adding the tomato puree, sundried tomato paste & the chilli flakes. Mix well and then add to the sauteed celery. Remove from the heat.

• step 4

  When the baked vegetables are ready remove the peel from the onion & garlic cloves roughly chop them & add them to the pan along with the plum tomtoes. Place back on to a low to medium heat & using a hand blender blend until the soup is smooth.

• step 5

  Season to taste & gently simmer until the soup is at a comfortable edible temperature. Do not allow the soup to boil. Serve with ciabatta bread & enjoy the moment.