Gazpacho is a well known summer cold soup and this raw tomato soup is a nice alternative offering a good spicy kick but still retaining a summery smell and intense flavours. I have been having this for lunch nearly everyday as it provides a really satisfying savoury and filling meal. I supplement with a brown pitta, which although not raw is still pretty healthy.

So here are the ingredients:

• 6 ripe tomatos
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 small clove of garlic (unless you really like garlic / have a cold and you can go for large)
• 2 sticks of celery
• a small handful of cashews (they add creaminess)
• sun dried tomatos – soaked in warm water
• 5 dates (for sweetness)
• sprinkle of spice – Hot Paprika or Smoked Paprika or Chili (vary depending on personal taste)
• 1 cup of water
• fresh basil leaves for garnish

Roughly chop the above veg and add everything accept the basil to a powerful blender:

And whiz on low and turn up to the highest setting for a good minute (longer if your blender isn’t so powerful):

Until very smooth and creamy:

And then serve with a very healthy portion of shredded basil leaves for a very fresh and summery smell and taste:

Bon Appetit 🙂