Butternut
and Sweet Potato Soup.
As we move
into September, it becomes soup season, I love soups, there are so many varieties,
they can be a whole meal, a starter, you can stick it in a flask and take to
work, or on a day out.
Whenever I
make this soup, for family or friends they always come back for more. It is in
fact my go to soup for autumn Friday nights! (But please don’t tell the chicken!)
I love the
soup not only because it’s quick, easy, it doesn’t need pre frying or any oil
keeping it low fat and healthy, but also because
the colour reminds me of harvest time in Kansas where my son lives, where the shops
and farmers markets are filled with pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes.
A bowl (or
cup) of this soup brings a feeling instant inner warmth comfort and wellbeing,
the ginger and chili aids digestion without being overpowering, and the vanilla
brings out the flavour of the vegetables: One spoon of this soup and I feel all
is alright with the world!
When I returned
to the UK, someone bought me a soup maker, which I find a boon as I can make a
soup and its cooked pureed and ready to serve in 21 minutes. However, I have written
the recipe below for both soup maker and stove method
Serve 4.
I butternut
squash peeled, deseeded, and cut into small squares
2 medium
sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
1 small red
skinned potato peeled and cubed
1 red onion
chopped finely
½ inch
ginger peeled and chopped
½ a small
red chili pepper, deseeded and chopped Finley
Sea salt
and black pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon vanilla
extract
1 bay leaf
1 liter of vegetable
stock, this can be home made, or use vegetable stock cubes made up in a liter
of water.
I table spoon Nondairy cream or cream (optional)
Pumkin seeds
or homemade croutons to add texture (optional)
Good
quality bread for serving
Method
1. Putt the cubed and diced butternut, sweet
potato, potato, onion, chili, and ginger in either your soup maker, or in to a heavy
bottom pan with a well-fitting lid.
2. Add the stock, vanilla, salt and pepper.
3. If you are using a soup maker, put
it on leave it to cook and blend 21 minutes.
4. If you are using the traditional method,
bring to the boil, then simmer at least 25 minutes, take the lid off, let cool
slightly then blend with a stick blender.
5. Recheck seasoning, adjust to taste, serve
hot with the topping you prefer, a swirl of cream
(Or nondairy cream,) croutons or pumpkin seeds with a slice of your
favorite good bread for a delightful meal in a bowl!
Comments