By nutritional therapist Christine Bailey

A simple, refreshing summer soup. Little preparation involved – just chop up the tomatoes and peppers and roast until golden. Blending in the can of beans provides protein and fibre and makes the soup deliciously creamy. This could also be served cold. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C and all of the major carotenoids, especially lycopene. These carotenoids help reduce damage to the skin and may prevent wrinkling.

(serves 2)

Ingredients:
2 red peppers
4 plum tomatoes
1 small red onion
2 garlic cloves, left whole, peeled
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of smoked paprika
500ml vegetable stock
2 sundried tomatoes, drained
1 x 400g can cannellini or butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped

Method:
Preheat the oven to 200C, Gas mark 6.

Cut the peppers into large chunks, discarding the seeds. Cut the tomatoes and red onion into quarters.

Place all the vegetables and garlic on a baking tray. Drizzle over the olive oil and toss gently. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft and lightly golden.

Place the vegetables in a blender with the paprika, stock, sun dried tomatoes and beans. Process until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a pan and heat through. Season to taste and stir in the basil leaves. Ladle into bowls to serve.

About Christine Bailey
Christine is an award-winning nutritionist, chef and author. With a passion for creating delicious nourishing recipes, Christine has a reputation for transforming people’s health and love of real food. As well as seeing clients and writing for national press, Christine runs ‘Nourish’ cookery classes including popular hands-on days for children. Christine is an inspiring nutritional chef well known for her engaging style and enthusiasm.

Christine is the author of numerous health and recipe books including ebooks on paleo eating and gluten-free recipes. Her books include her popular Supercharged Juices and Smoothies, The Juice Diet Book, The Raw Food Diet Book and Eat to Get Younger. Christine has particular specialisms in paleo diets, allergy free cooking, digestive health, coeliac disease and other autoimmune conditions, allergies, healthy ageing and weight loss.

For more information visit her website www.christinebailey.co.uk or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.