Spicy Tomato & Bacon Soup

Original recipe that I thought tasted great, it is quite spicy so reduce or omit chilli flakes and/or pepper for a mild result. Can of course be scaled up easily.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 1  slice bacon
• 2  teaspoons garlic, crushed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  onion flakes
• 1  cup crushed tomatoes
• 1  chicken stock cube
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  chili flakes (optional or to taste)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 1  tablespoon fresh parsley, torn apart
• 6  basil leaves, torn apart
• 2  cups water
• 1  slice  bread

Directions

1. Remove rind from bacon and tear into bite sized pieces.
2. Place bacon, oil, garlic, and onion flakes into medium saucepan and cook over medium heat until bacon is browned and cooked through.
3. Add all remaining ingredients apart from bread and slowly bring to boil over medium temperature (will take around 10 minutes).
4. Reduce temperature to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Meanwhile toast bread and cut into small squares as croutons.
6. Serve soup in bowl with croutons sprinled over the top.