
In autumn, people are more susceptible to catching colds and flu as the weather changes. One way to bolster your immune system is by eating appropriate seasonal foods. This soup combines the late summer tomato harvest with fresh ginger, which warms digestion and helps prevent colds from taking hold.

1 medium purple onion, diced
2 TBS fresh ginger, peeled & minced
2 lbs of tomatoes, peeled and quartered (or one 28oz can diced tomatoes)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, cored and chopped (optional)
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
2 tsp of Mirin/sweet cooking sake (optional)
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Basil, cut into this ribbons
