Tomatoes became a fad when it was found they contain a lot of antioxidant called lycopene. It is an organic compound giving tomatoes their red colour. Lycopene is very powerful natural antioxidant which not only helps preventing risk of various diseases but also slows down ageing of skin. 

As we already know, antioxidants improve collagen synthesis in the skin and neutralise free radicals. Lycopene is fat-soluble therefore it will absorb best if you add your tomato a bit of fats. The scientists have established that if tomatoes are combined with fats, body’s capacity to absorb lycopene increases by 70%.  Besides, lycopene levels increase by one third if heated, and boiling tomatoes for 15 minutes will increase the concentration of this substance by one and a half times.

Even though tomato fad has calmed down, tomatoes are still a great dietary choice for stroke patients. Tomato contains C, B1, B2, B6, E, K vitamins, folate, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, sodium, chromium. Besides, it is a rich source of amino acids, microelements, mineral salts and fruit acids. We know that carrot juice can improve tone of facial skin, nevertheless tomatoes can have a similar effect. 

Today various lycopene food supplements are commercially available, but we recommend getting it right from the nature – tomatoes. If you choose a ready-made tomato soup (sometimes you just might be too lazy to cook), take care not to select any brands with high added sugar.)

Heat the oven to 180oC.

Spread the cooking sheet on the baking tray, arrange halves of the bell pepper (cut it in halves and deseed) and halves of chilli (remove the seeds) with skin on top.

Place the chopped onion, whole garlic cloves and thyme sprig on the baking tray. Sprinkle with olive oil. Bake for 10-12 minutes (or more) until bell pepper turns brownish.

After baking, let cool a bit and remove skin from the bell pepper and chili.

Place bell pepper, chili, onions and garlic in a large pot. Add canned tomatoes (if you use whole tomatoes, dice them in advance) and hot vegetable stock. Bring to the boil and then let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes.

Blend the finished soup with hand blender or in full-size blender. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This amount is intended for 4 persons however it depends on your appetite.