Fennel and Tomato Soup

For something different to standard tomato soup try this easy, tasty soup for an appetizer or light vegetarian meal. If you make more than required, leftovers can be frozen. Recipe serves 6.

Ingredients:

2 pound (1 kg) fennel bulbs
1 large onion, chopped roughly
2 teaspoons freshly crushed garlic
2 cans peeled tomatoes (approximately 13 1/2 ounces/400 g each)
2 1/2 cups chicken stock
2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
2 ounces (60 g) butter
1/4 cup Pernod (optional)
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cut base and tops from the fennel, and chop. Melt the butter in a large pot. Add the fennel, onions and garlic and cook for 15 minutes or until soft. Season with salt, pepper and oregano.
2. Add tomatoes, including the liquid, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.
3. Puree in food processor and return to pot. Add chicken stock and Pernod.
4. Serve hot with a sprinkling of grated cheese and crusty bread.