Watercress, Spiced Tomato and Chick Pea Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• ½-1tsp crushed flaked chilli
• 2 (397g) cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 (400g) can chick peas, drained then a few reserved for garnish
• 750ml/11/4pt vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 (100g) bag watercress
• A squeeze of lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and sauté for 4 mins until soft. Stir in the garlic and chilli and cook for 30 secs.
2. Add the tomatoes, chick peas, stock and puree, stir well and bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 10 mins.
3. Transfer to food processor, add the watercress, then blend until just smooth. Return to the pan, add the lemon juice, then season to taste. Gently reheat then serve in bowls. Decorate with the reserved chick peas and more watercress if liked.