This warming and creamy soup is just what you need to keep you toasty during this very cold spell. In Cape Town the sun has been shining these last few days, but make no mistake… it’s icy out there! You can’t beat the flavour of home-made soup, and the bonus of making a big batch is that you can freeze the leftovers for another day.
An oldie but a goodie, aubergine parmigiana is a scrumptious side dish that I absolutely love. This is classic comfort food that’s perfect for serving to a crowd alongside a main meal, (although I’ll happily enjoy it for lunch with a fresh side salad too).
I usually prepare some sort of chicken and veggie tray bake once a week at home. I find it easy with minimal effort required, and the reward of a tasty, nourishing dinner at the end. Today’s chicken and veg recipe is a fantastic week night supper option. The chicken is cooked in a tamari and honey marinade and served with roasted vegetables, simple and scrumptious.
Another Easter holiday has come and gone and I hope you had a lovely one! We managed to escape up the coast for a few days of beach bliss but it’s back to business now and the never ending lunch boxes, laundry and loaded inbox. (Take me back to the beach!) This is a wonderful, easy recipe if, like me, you are craving veggies and healthier meals after enjoying all of those Easter holiday treats! May I present my crustless roasted vegetable quiche.
Continue reading “Cheesy roasted vegetable quiche (with video)”
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.
Continue reading “Two scrumptious side dishes: carrot salad and roasted cauliflower”
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!)
Cupcakes & Couscous 