Backyard Garden Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups diced onions
• 1 sweet red pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chopped, fresh plum tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounces water
• 8 ounces vegetable stock
• 3/4 ounce minced fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint

Directions

1. 1

   In a 4-quart saucepan, combine the oil, onions, peppers and garlic.

2. 2

   Cook over medium-high heat for 1 minute; cover, reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the tomatoes, water, vegetable stock, basil and mint.

4. 4

   Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.

5. 5

   Chef's Note: Mint and tomatoes make a beautiful pair.

6. 6

   The sweetness of the mint counteracts the natural acidity in the tomatoes and eliminates the need for added sugar.