Fragrant Courgette and Tomato Soup

(SERVES 4)

• 25 g/1 oz/2 tbsp low-fat spread
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 courgettes (zucchini) , grated
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 600 ml/1 pt 2 ½ cups vegetable stock cubes
• 400 g/1 4 oz/1 large can chopped tomatoes
• 15 ml/1 tbsp tomato puree (paste)
• Salt freshly ground black pepper
• 30 ml/2 tbsp chopped basil leaves
• 20 ml/4 tsp very low-fat fromage frais
• 4 small basil sprigs

Melt the low-fat spread in a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the courgettes and garlic and cook, stirring, for further 4 minutes. Add the stock, the tomatoes and the puree. Bring the boil, stirring. Part-cover reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste and add the chopped basil. Ladle into warm bowls and top each with 5 ml/1 tsp of fromage frais and a small basil sprig.