Tomato and apple soup recipe

You might not have thought that tomato and apple work well together, but we love this combination of flavours in this tomato and apple soup - and of course both taste even better under a mountain of melted cheddar cheese!

This deliciously warming winter tomato and apple soup is packed full with vitamins and nutrients - perfect if you're feeling a little under the weather or have some poorly children who can't stomach much else.

It will quickly become a household favourite - we recommend using large Bramley apples to make this soup go that bit further.

Ingredients

• 450g (1lb) Bramley apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 900g (2lb) ripe vine tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 75ml (3fl oz) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 425ml (¾ pt) water
• 1tbsp tomato purée
• 2tsp caster sugar
• Handful fresh basil leaves

Method

1. Place the apples, tomatoes, garlic, oil in a large pan and season well. Cover with a tight-fitting lid then bring to the boil over a medium heat. Simmer for 15-20 mins, or until the apples, tomatoes and garlic have completely broken up.
2. Transfer to a blender, add the remaining ingredients and whizz until the soup is smooth. Finally, adjust the seasoning according to taste and gently reheat before serving in bowls with crusty bread.