Hello foodies! It’s great to be back after a little break last week and today I am excited to tell you about the latest addition to my cookbook collection. It is written by none other than one of our talented local food bloggers, Ming-Cheau Lin. Ming recently launched her first cookbook titled “Just Add Rice” and it is unlike any of the other books on my kitchen shelf, here’s why…
It’s soup season and right on cue the kiddies and I have all come down with horrible colds! Whether you are needing some wholesome sustenance or a hot bowl of goodness to chase away the chills (or the germs!), this vegan tomato and red pepper soup with fresh basil is bound to do the trick.
Continue reading “Roasted tomato soup with red pepper and basil (vegan)”
I don’t think I could have chosen a better day to share this recipe. The rain is (finally) coming down in buckets outside as Cape Town gets pummelled by a monster storm and right now I can think of no better lunch than a steaming bowl of delicious soup. Preferably followed by a nap. Local schools have been closed for the day due to the storm so there is not much chance of the latter but I will settle for soup!
I enjoy all kinds of soups, but I tend to favour the classics – for me nothing beats good old tomato soup or a creamy butternut soup. I have kept this recipe fairly simple with a touch of warming spice to complement the veggies. This is an easy soup to throw together and the best part is that you can make a big batch and freeze it, ready for those cold winter days.
For more soup inspiration please check out these recipes for french onion soup, mushroom soup with chevin and thyme toasts, and carrot and coriander soup. What is your favourite soup when the weather turns chilly?
Serving suggestion – top the soup with toasted flaked almonds, flat leaf parsley, a swirl of cream and some freshly ground black pepper. Add a few slices of toasted ciabatta and you are good to go!
Make ahead tip – make a batch of soup and freeze in single portions for soup anytime you feel like it.
1.) Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over a low heat. Add the onion, leeks, celery, butternut and potatoes. Cover the pot and leave the vegetables to sweat for 10 minutes. Shake the pan regularly to prevent them from sticking to the bottom.
2.) Increase the heat to medium. Add the salt, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon and stir for a minute or two. Add the stock and stir well. Leave to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
3.) Set the pot aside to cool for a few minutes. Use a food processor or stick blender to puree the soup until smooth.
4.) Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream and sherry. Heat through over a low heat. Check the seasoning and serve.
Bonjour! One the best things about the onset of Autumn and the chillier weather is that I get to eat soup all the time! Yes, I actually get rather excited about this. I try to make a couple of big batches of different flavours, and then freeze them in portions so that I always have some on hand for quick lunches. (If only I was that organised with all my meals!)
Continue reading “Mushroom soup with chevin and thyme toasts (with video)”
