Tomato Consomme

Normally, consomme is a pain in the butt process involving cooking, clarifying and straining but this one isn't. We simply marinate squashed tomatoes with a few flavourings and strain-off the well flavoured juice. It makes an ideal summmer starter with some grilled langoustines or king prawns.

Ingredients:

3 lb over-ripe plum tomatoes - squashed
a handful of basil - torn
a handful of chervil – torn
a handful of flat leaf parsley – torn
3 sprigs of thyme
1 shallot – finely sliced
4 fl oz white wine
2 tspn salt
1 tspn sugar

Method:

1. Place everything in a bowl, mix well and chill overnight.

2. Pour everything into a muslin bag set over a large non-metallic bowl and let the juice gently drip through.

Serve very cold, as you would a gazpacho.