Fresh Tomato and Bean Soup

Instructions
- Peel the tomatoes: using a sharp knife, make a small cross in each one and place in a bowl. Pout=r boiling water over and leave to stand for 30-60 seconds. Drain the tomatoes and once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. Quarter them and cut each piece in half again.
- Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onions and garlic for 3 minutes or until just beginning to soften.
- Add the tomatoes to the onions and stir in the stock, sun-dried tomato paste and paprika. Season with a little salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the cornstarch to a paste with 2 Tbs (30ml) water. Stir the beans into the soup with the cornstarch paste. Cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- To serve: Stir the chopped cilantro into the soup just before serving with ciabatta.
Information
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 900g ripe plum tomatoes
- 2Tbs (30ml) olive oil
- 3 large onions, coarsely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 cups (1 l) vegetable stock
- 2Tbs sundried tomato paste
- 2tsp (10ml) paprika
- 1Tbs (15ml) cornstarch
- 1 tin (410g) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 2Tbs (30ml) chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
To serve
- Olive ciabatta
Instructions
- Peel the tomatoes: using a sharp knife, make a small cross in each one and place in a bowl. Pout=r boiling water over and leave to stand for 30-60 seconds. Drain the tomatoes and once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. Quarter them and cut each piece in half again.
- Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the onions and garlic for 3 minutes or until just beginning to soften.
- Add the tomatoes to the onions and stir in the stock, sun-dried tomato paste and paprika. Season with a little salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Mix the cornstarch to a paste with 2 Tbs (30ml) water. Stir the beans into the soup with the cornstarch paste. Cook for a further 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- To serve: Stir the chopped cilantro into the soup just before serving with ciabatta.
Notes
- Tomatoes are the major dietary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They are also a great source of vitamin C, folate and Vitamin K.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these recipes designed for everyday, practical cooking?
Yes. These recipes are specifically created to fit into a busy, real-world lifestyle. We focus on accessible, everyday ingredients you can find at any local grocery store, using standard kitchen equipment. The cooking methods are kept simple and straightforward, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or efficient weekend batch cooking and meal prep.
How do these recipes support sustained daily energy and focus?
Every recipe is structured around core clinical nutrition principles, prioritizing clean proteins, healthy fats, and complex, fiber-rich carbohydrates. By avoiding highly refined sugars and heavily processed ingredients, these meals provide a slow, controlled release of glucose into your bloodstream. This prevents the sharp insulin spikes and subsequent “sugar crashes” that cause afternoon fatigue and brain fog.
Are your recipes strictly aligned with Low-GI principles?
Absolutely. We place a massive emphasis on Low-GI (Glycemic Index) and blood sugar stability. As a dietician-led brand, our ingredient choices focus on high-fiber grains, lean proteins, and nutrient-dense vegetables that naturally lower the overall glycemic load of the meal. This makes our recipes exceptionally beneficial for maintaining long-term metabolic health and steady, reliable stamina.
Can I easily adapt these recipes for plant-based, vegan, or specific dietary needs?
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How can I combine these recipes with the Back To Basics Meal Replacement Shakes?
Our whole-food recipes are designed to complement your structured lifestyle plan seamlessly. A highly effective strategy for busy professionals or weight management goals is to substitute one or two on-the-go meals with our premium Low-GI Gold Range Supa Shakes, and then enjoy one of our beautifully balanced, whole-food recipes for your main sit-down meal. This gives you the perfect blend of absolute convenience and fresh culinary variety.
Can these recipes assist me with sustainable weight management?
Yes. Sustainable weight management relies on portion awareness, nutrient density, and satiety (feeling full). Because our recipes focus on high-protein and high-fiber ingredients, they keep you feeling satisfied for significantly longer, naturally curbing the urge to snack between meals. They offer a delicious, deprivation-free way to manage your nutritional boundaries long-term.
