Tamatar Shorba

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 3 indian bay leaves
• 2 inch piece of cinnamon stick
• 12 peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 14.5 oz cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 cups chicken stock
• salt

Preparation:

Heat the oil over low heat in a heavy-based saucepan and fry the garlic, bay leaves, cinnamon, and peppercorns for 1 minute. Add the cumin, garam masala, and tomato. Break up the tomato with as much as possible while stirring. Add the sugar and stock and slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Strain the soup by pushing it through a sieve, using the back of a metal spoon to push against the solids and extract as much of the liquid as possible. Discard what's left and return to pan to reheat. Add salt to taste and serve.