This super easy basic Roasted Tomato Sauce has delicious flavours of garlic and fresh herbs and a perfect way to preserve flavourful tomatoes in the warmer months when they are at their best. It’s an extremely versatile sauce that is suitable for pizza, pasta, soups and any Italian or Mediterranean sauces using passata. Health benefits…
tomato
Tuna Tomato Penne (one pot)
This Tuna Tomato Penne (in one pot) is a delicious, healthy easy to make meal. You don’t have to pre-cook the pasta which makes for one less thing to wash up. I also love the consistency of the sauce when the pasta is cooked in it. Best of all this can be easily varied to…
Quick Pantry Lentil Soup
Sometimes we have to rely on our pantry stores to whip a meal up quickly. This Quick Pantry Lentil Soup is one of my go to meals (along my my Quick and Easy Dhal). I pretty much always have the ingredients in my pantry and it has saved me many times when I’ve been caught short on time and ingredients. Whether youโre looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup delivers a healthy, filling option perfect for any day of the week. It’s quick and easy to make and is a warming, nourishing bowl of plant based goodness.
Health benefits
This soup is packed with plant-based protein and fibre from lentils, making it an excellent choice for supporting digestion and maintaining steady energy levels. The spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger not only enhance the flavour but also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Plus, the addition of leafy greens like spinach boosts the nutrient content with essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
This lentil soup recipe uses simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, garlic, onions, carrots, celery, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Tinned tomatoes and lentils provide texture, while the broth ties it all together. A dollop of full-fat natural yogurt completes the dish for a creamy finish.
How to make this quick pantry lentil soup
Sautรฉ the garlic, onions, celery, carrots, and spices in olive oil, then add the tomato paste, tomatoes, lentils, and broth. Let everything simmer for 20 minutes before adding the spinach, which wilts quickly into the soup. For the Thermomix, chop and cook the ingredients in stages before simmering the soup.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve the soup in bowls topped with a dollop of yogurt for a creamy finish. Itโs perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and pairs nicely with crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later use. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat until hot.
Vary this quick pantry lentil soup to suit your dietary needs
This soup is highly versatile. For a garlic-free version, simply use garlic oil or omit it altogether. You can also swap the yogurt for coconut yogurt to make it dairy-free (and vegan) or skip it entirely. For those who canโt tolerate onions, replace them with fennel or leave them out and still enjoy a delicious meal.
For more delicious, easy to make healthy soup recipes, click HERE.
Quick Pantry Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – extra virgin
- 4 clove/s garlic – minced
- 1 onion/s – diced
- 1 stick/s celery – finely chopped
- 1 carrot/s – diced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 2 tsp garam masala
- ยฝ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 400 g diced tinned tomatoes
- 800 g can brown lentils – (or any lentil of your choice) rinsed, drained
- 500 ml stock or broth – your choice of chicken or vegetable
- ยฝ tsp sea salt – or to taste
- 50 g baby spinach – or kale or silverbeet
- 200 g natural, Greek or coconut yoghurt – to serve
Instructions
- In a medium size pot, add the olive oil, garlic, onion, celery, carrot and spices and saute for 4 minutes over a moderate heat.
- Now add the tomato paste, tomatoes, lentils and broth or stock. If using homemade broth add an extra ยฝ tsp of sea salt. Bring to a simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add in the spinach and stir for 1 minute until it wilts.
Thermomix
- Start with chopping the garlic – 3 sec, speed 6.
- Then add the onion and celery and chop, 4 seconds speed 5. You can add in the carrot here too, but I prefer to dice it.
- Add the spices and olive oil and cook 4 minutes, 100, speed 1.
- Now add the tomato paste, tomatoes, lentils and broth or stock. If using homemade broth add an extra ยฝ tsp of sea salt. Cook 20 minutes, 100, speed 2.
Serve
- Divide between four bowls, and serve with a blob of yoghurt.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Make ahead
- Re-heat in a pot over a low heat until just hot.
Notes
Onion-free
Leave out or replace with a small bulb of fennel.Garlic-free
Leave out or replace with a tablespoon garlic oil.ยDairy-free
Leave of the yoghurt or replace with coconut yoghurt. ย ยThis is one of my go to meals in the cooler months. ย Love to receive your thoughts and comments too (if you could also rate this recipe I’d be extra appreciative).ย
Fresh Tomato Olive Basil Spaghetti
This delicious Fresh Tomato Olive Basil Spaghetti is perfect for a simple dinner or light lunch. Itโs reallyย quick and easy to make, literally in the time it takes to boil pasta, you have a meal on the table. It can be served at room temperature or chilled as a pasta salad. When I was a…
Mexican Tomato Salsa
This delicious Mexican Tomato Salsa recipe is a fabulous, easy to make staple.ย With its Mexican flavours, it’s lovely served on tortilla chips or as a side to any Mexican fare. When friends drop in Often when friends drop by or I have to get something prepped quickly, Iโll make this Mexican Salsa and Guacamoleย for a…
Tomato Salsa
This delicious Tomato Salsa recipe is a fabulous, easy to make staple that is a great addition to any table. With vine-ripened tomatoes, red onion, and basil, itโs a simple yet flavorful recipe perfect for dipping, topping, or serving as a side dish. With its Italian flavours, is lovely served on a crostini or even…
Heirloom Tomato Plum Tart
This Tomato Plum Tart is a vibrant and delicious dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch. With a flaky puff pastry base topped with sweet vine-ripened tomatoes and juicy plums, it’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavour. Whether you’re serving it as an appetiser or a main dish, this tart will impress your guests and leave everyone wanting more!
Please just make sure when you choose a puff pastry, that it is a 100% butter puff pastry with no vegetable oils or additives. I always choose Carรฉme All Butter Puff Pastry. They now make a wholemeal spelt puff which is just delicious.
Health benefits
This tart is packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients that offer numerous health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K and the antioxidant lycopene. Plums are a great source of antioxidants and fibre. The addition of feta cheese adds protein and calcium, making this dish not just tasty but nutritious too. Enjoying a slice is a great way to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet!
Ingredients
For this delicious tart, youโll need all butter puff pastry as your base, ripe tomatoes, and plums for that sweet-savoury combo. Feta cheese brings a creamy texture, while fresh basil adds a pop of flavour. To tie everything together, a simple dressing made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and white pepper enhances the dish beautifully.
How to make this Tomato Plum Tart
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the puff pastry on a lined baking tray. After baking until golden, slice your tomatoes and plums, then whip up the dressing. Toss the tomatoes, plums and dressing in a small bowl, layer them over the crispy pastry, and sprinkle with crumbled feta and torn basil leaves. Serve this tart immediately for the best flavour and texture!
Serving suggestions and how to store
This tart is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, making it perfect for entertaining. Pair it with a light salad or serve it alongside a charcuterie board. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but be warnedโthe pastry may lose some of its crispiness!
Vary Tomato Plum Tart to suit
Feel free to get creative with this tomato plum tart! For a vegan version, you can swap out the cheese for a plant-based alternative, like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free pastry or crust to accommodate your dietary preferences.
Tomato and Plum Tart
Ingredients
- 375 g Carรชme All Butter Puff Pastry
- 500 g vine ripened tomatoe/s (approx.)
- 3 plum/s
- 150 g feta cheese (or goat feta, goat curd,ย buffalo mozzarella or bocconcini)
- ยผ bunch/s fresh basil leaves -torn
Dressing
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ยฝ tsp sea salt
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil (4 tablespoons)
- Pinch white pepper -ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF (fan-forced).
- Defrost and cut the pastry to your desired size (I usually cut in half or quarters).
- Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. ย Using a fork, prick the pastry all over.
- Top the pastry with another piece of baking paper and weigh it down with another tray placed on top.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until crisp and golden.
- Meanwhile, halve small tomatoes and slice any large ones. Slice your plums into thin wedges.
- Make your dressing by mixing altogether (or shake in a small jar).
- Gently toss the tomatoes and plums in the dressing.
- Arrange over the pastry with the cheese (crumbled or torn) and garnish withย fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately.
Tip
- If you are entertaining, have all of the components ready to go and just assemble before serving.
Tomato Basil Bruschetta
Whether you grow your own or shop for them at your local fruit and vegetable market, tomatoes are in their prime in the summertime making this the best time to make the most of their sweet flavour with this Tomato Basil Bruschetta!
It just so happens that basil is also in its prime in summer. Not only are they perfect companions in the garden (plant them next to one another for a great crop), their flavour compliments one another on yourย plate too.
Tomato basil bruschetta is a classic Italian appetiser thatโs fresh, delicious, and incredibly simple to make. It’s the perfect way to celebrate fresh, ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, bringing a taste of summer to your table in just a few easy steps.
Health benefits
Tomatoes are a rich source of the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is a wonderful antioxidant, important for cardiovascular and bone health. ย Basil has exhibited protective effects against DNA damage, is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Like tomatoes, it also contains cardio-protective nutrients. Paired with healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil, this bruschetta is as nutritious as it is delicious, making it a healthy choice for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
This tomato-basil bruschetta recipe shines with fresh vine-ripened tomatoes (or you can also use roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes), aromatic basil, and a good-quality extra virgin olive oil. A splash of red wine vinegar adds tang, and sourdough bread slices provides the perfect crispy base for this vibrant topping. Don’t forget to rub the toasted bread with garlic for an extra burst of flavour and goodness.
How to make Tomato Bruschetta
I really think this is the best bruschetta recipe. Dice the tomatoes and toss them with torn basil, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Grill slices of sourdough, rub with cloves garlic, and then spoon the tomato mixture on top. Serve immediately for a quick and delicious appetiser thatโs sure to impress.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve your bruschetta fresh off the grill for the best texture and flavour. Itโs ideal as a starter or a snack, but if you want to store the components, keep the tomato mixture separate in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the bruschetta just before serving for the freshest taste.
Vary Tomato Basil Bruschetta to suit
For a gluten-free version, swap out the sourdough for gluten-free bread. If youโre looking for a grain-free option, this tomato and basil mix works beautifully as a salsa over protein like grilled beef, fish, or chicken. You can also add shaved parmesan or fresh mozzarella for a cheesy twist! To make canapรฉs, serve on baguette slices.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
If you love this, then try this Fresh Tomato, Olive and Basil Spaghetti.
Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Ingredients
- 5-6 vine ripened tomatoe/s (large) at room temperature is when they are most flavoursome
- ยผ bunch/s fresh basil leaves -picked from stems and torn or finely chopped (preferably with a ceramic knife so they don't oxidise or blacken)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil -extra virgin
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper -to taste
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1 clove/s garlic -whole peeled
Instructions
- Halve your tomatoes lengthways and remove most of the seeds with a spoon.
- With the flat side down, dice the tomatoes (approx. 1cm dice), with a sharp or serrated knife as you don't want to mush the tomatoes and place in a large bowl.
- Tear or finely dice your basil leaves and add to the tomatoes.
- Stir in the olive oil, vinegar and season well. Set aside.
- Heat a char-grill on your stovetop or BBQ.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over oneย side of the bread and rub all over.
- Place on the hot char and toast both sides.
- Now rub your garlic clove over the oiled side of the charred bread. This gives it an amazing garlic flavour (you're actually just making garlic bread). How much you rub on depends on how much you like garlic.
- Spoon the tomato salsa over the charred bread, making sure each piece also has a little drizzle of the juice.
- Serve immediately.



