One of the best things about simple tomato soup is that you can upgrade it in a million ways. One of the easiest and best?

This is a thick hearty soup which is a bit like an Indian flavoured risotto. It will also do duty as a lunch dish with a salad. If you have some leftover rice use it instead of cooking it fresh.

and for those who want some spicy heat to ward off the cold, some local restaurants have options that will put some fire in our bellies. While creamy tomato soup and grandma's chicken noodle soup ...

Add the garlic and chilli and continue to fry for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chopped tomatoes, red wine vinegar, tomato purée, a splash or two of Tabasco (to taste), sugar and half of the basil ...

No tomato soup is complete without a cheese toastie ... at a restaurant - and much better than anything out of a tin. Rich, spicy and warm, it's guranteed to become your new favourite recipe ...

No tomato soup is complete without a cheese toastie ... at a restaurant - and much better than anything out of a tin. Rich, spicy and warm, it's guranteed to become your new favourite recipe ...