Step 1

Heat oil in a pan. Add bay leaf, garlic and onions. Saute all of these on a high flame for 3 to 4 mins.

Step 2

Then add in tomatoes and salt. Stir and cook until soft.

Step 3

Next add in basil and cook until tomatoes turn completely mushy. Turn off and cool.

Step 4

Discard the basil & bay leaf.

Step 5

Add the mushy tomato mixture along with the juices to a blender jar.

Step 6

Pour 1 cup water or stock and blend smooth.

Step 7

Place a sieve over a pot & transfer the blended tomato soup to it.

Step 8

Filter and discard the leftovers. Bring it to a boil on a medium heat & simmer for 2 to 3 mins.

Step 9

Meanwhile stir in corn starch in half cup water and add it gradually to the boiling tomato soup.

Step 10

Stir constantly and boil until slightly thick.

Step 11

Add sugar & more salt if desired. Simmer until it reaches a desired consistency.

Step 12

Next add herbs & pepper. Cover the soup & turn off the stove.

Step 13

Allow it to cool down a bit before adding the cream. If you prefer to use cashew nuts, soak them in ¼ cup hot water for 30 minutes. Add them to a small chutney grinder along with the soaked water and puree until you get a thick and smooth cream. If needed add a few tablespoons more water for consistency. Use this to top your tomato soup while serving.

Step 14

Transfer tomato soup to serving bowls. Garnish with herbs & cream. Enjoy with croutons.

Step 15

Spread butter on the bread slices and toast them on a medium heat until crisp.

Step 16

Then cut them to bite sized pieces.