Ingredients
1.5kg ripe tomatoes, halved
1 bulb garlic, halved
½ cup olive oil
2 stalks celery, chopped finely
1 onion, chopped finely
2 garlic cloves, chopped finely
3 cups vegetable stock
2 Tbsp basil leaves, plus extra to serve
Extra-virgin olive oil, to serve
White sauce
20g butter
1 Tbsp plain flour
1 cup milk
Method
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Preheat oven to 200°C. Line an oven tray with baking paper.
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Arrange tomatoes, cut-side up, on tray with garlic. Drizzle with half oil, season. Bake 20-25 mins until collapsing.
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Meanwhile, in a large heavy-based saucepan, heat remaining oil on medium. Saute celery and onion 4-5 mins until onion is tender.
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Stir in tomato, garlic (squeezed from skin) and stock. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer 10 mins. Stir basil through. Cool slightly. Using a hand blender, puree mixture until smooth.
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White sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter on medium. Add flour and cook, stirring, 1 min. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Return to heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Simmer 3 mins, stirring.
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Gradually add tomato puree, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring to boil on medium. Reduce heat to low, simmer 1-2 mins. Season. Serve with extra sliced basil leaves, prosciutto crumbs (see cook's tip), a drizzle of olive oil and plenty of black pepper.
Cook's tip
To make a delicious meaty crumb topping, process 100g prosciutto and 2 cups bread. Bake on tray 200°C, for 6-8 mins.
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