Oatmeal Soup

This is a creamy, delicious soup, ideal for a first course on an autumn or winter night....

1/2 cup rolled oats
1 tablespoon oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups stock
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup milk or soymilk
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper

1. In a heavy, dry saucepan, toast the oats over medium heat until they are medium brown. Watch carefully and stir often! Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, heat the oil and saute the onion and garlic until soft. Add the stock , oatmeal and tomatoes. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cover reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes or so.
3. Add the milk, soy sauce and salt. Taste and add a bit of pepper if you like.