Creamy Tomato Soup

The method

1. 01

   Put the oil, onions, celery, carrots, potatoes and bay leaves in a big casserole dish, or two saucepans.

2. 02

   Fry gently until the onions are softened – about 10-15 mins.

3. 03

   Fill the kettle and boil it.

4. 04

   Stir in the tomato purée, sugar, vinegar, chopped tomatoes and passata, then crumble in the stock cubes.

5. 05

   Add 1 litre boiling water and bring to a simmer.

6. 06

   Cover and simmer for 15 mins until the potato is tender, then remove the bay leaves.

7. 07

   Purée with a stick blender (or ladle into a blender in batches) until very smooth.

8. 08

   Season to taste and add a pinch more sugar if it needs it.

9. 09

   The soup can now be cooled and chilled for up to 2 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

10. 10

    To serve, reheat the soup, stirring in the milk – try not to let it boil.

11. 11

    Serve in small bowls with cheesy sausage rolls.