Roasted Tomato and Fennel Soup

Directions

1. Wash fennel bulbs and tomatoes and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
2. Cut fennel bulbs into thick slices and tomatoes into halves.
3. Pre heat the oven to 200 degrees C.
4. Arrange the fennel slices and tomatoes on a baking tray.
5. Drizzle with a table spoon of olive oil.
6. Roast for 20-30 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and blend in a blender to make a smooth paste.
8. Heat the remaining olive oil and butter in a pan.
9. Add garlic and bay leaves and fry for 20 seconds.
10. Add the pureed fennel and tomato.
11. Add dried rosemary, dried basil, salt, black pepper and vegetable stock and cook the soup for 10-15 minutes.
12. Strain the soup with a soup strainer.
13. Transfer the soup in the same pan.
14. Add fresh cream and cook till it comes to a boil.
15. Serve the soup in soup bowls.
16. Sprinkle some sunflower seeds on top.
17. Garnish with fresh cream and coriander.
18. Serve piping hot.