
When you think of comfort food, cream of tomato soup with grilled cheese is usually close to the top of the list. This is a version that brings out the sweetness in both the tomato and the basil. I have been making it like this for many years both at home and in restaurants that I have worked in or owned and it has always been a crowd pleaser.

The soup is easy and quick to make and can be served in under 30 minutes. Ideally it is made with the ripest and sweetest tomatoes where no sugar is needed but when using canned tomatoes it is one of the few places that I will add some sugar to a savory dish.

Allspice, lemon and sugar help bring out the delicate sweet flavor of ripe tomatoes and the fresh basil – the basil needs to be added at the very end. Chicken stock, onions and a touch of garlic bring depth , the cream adds richness as the salt and white pepper help balance it. A simple soup where all the ingredients play their special part.