Corn and Tomato Soup

Soup is the perfect comfort food during the cold and wintery months. Although it is beginning to warm up here, we still turned to this soup just because ... because we wanted to eat something light ... because we wanted to eat something that would be quick and easy, as it was already 8:30 pm, dinnertime ... just because we were lazy!

We also made this soup because we had absolutely no other veggies in the fridge. I'm in desperate need of buying some groceries. Here is how I made the Corn and Tomato Soup:

4 Roma tomatoes, pureed
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped finely
1.5 cups water
1 onion, chopped finely
1 cup frozen sweet corn, boiled
4-5 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp ketchup
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp sugar
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnish

1. Boil pot of water. Add the corn to pot and let boil for about 5 minutes. When cool, drain and keep aside.
2. Heat olive oil in same pot. Add the garlic and onions and sautee for few minutes.
3. Next, add the pureed tomatoes along with about 1 cup of water. Let the tomatoes cook for a few minutes before adding the red chili powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and cumin powder. Also, add in the chopped tomatoes and boiled corn.
4. Add the tomato paste and ketchup to help thicken and sweeten up the soup. Depending on the consistency you are looking for, add more water.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
6. Serve this Corn and Tomato Soup, steaming hot garnished with shredded cheese (optional) and a dollop of yogurt/sour cream along with homemade garlic infused croutons.

Here is how to make the Homemade Garlic Infused Croutons (Bhavnesh's specialty):
3-4 slices of bread
1/2 tsp garlic, crushed
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp oregano seasoning

1. Toast both sides of the toast in griddle until bread is lightly golden brown.
2. Cut the toasted bread slices into bite sized cubes. Keep aside.
3. In same pan, melt the butter and garlic. Also, add in the oregano seasoning. (Keep on low heat.)
4. Toss the cubed bread pieces in and mix together.
5. Serve these Garlic Infused Croutons on top of a hot bowl of Corn and Tomato Soup.

Now, sit back, relax and enjoy!