3 steps to a GOURMET pumpkin soup

Winter’s beginning was marked by this post containing my joy regarding the ability to make pumpkin soup again! Now, with only a few days left of our official winter (Yes, I pulled out my sandals for the first time today!!) I thought I better share a few amendments I made throughout the colder days to this staple recipe. Whilst most of us are ready for summer to come, you should reap the tasty benefits of the cold before it goes! Best part is it only takes 3 steps to a GOURMET pumpkin soup!

• 1/2 Jap pumpkin
• 1/2 tsp curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon mixed herbs
• Vegetable stock cubes (enough to make 4 cups worth, although there is no need to pre-mix it. You may need to add additional water/stock depending on the size of your pumpkin or if you prefer a thinner consistency, but you can always add this once cooked so long as there is enough water to cover the pumpkin when cooking)
• 4 cups of filtered water – yes you read right, filtered water is better for a cleaner, clearer and all around fresh taste for this soup!
• 4 tbs of passata
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• fresh thyme sprigs or fresh chives to garnish

Optional Extras

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 sweet potato, chopped
• greek yogurt to serve

Stovetop method

Step 1: Place all ingredients except the chives, rosemary and yogurt into a large pot and bring to the boil, cooking until vegetables are soft.

Step 2: Once the vegetables have cooled, wizz in food processor. Do so in batches if yours is small like mine.

Step 3: Pour back into the pot, stir in the nutmeg and pepper, warming if you wish to eat immediately. Season to taste and top with chives or thyme.

TIP: If this is for a main meal, stir in greek yogurt when serving to ensure you get the necessary protein and dairy!

Slow cooker method

Place all ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 6) and then follow steps 2 & 3 as above.

NB: This recipe will feed 6-8 people or you can freeze some for quick and healthy lunches (or dinners). Much nicer than the canned variety! If you prefer a more traditional flavoured pumpkin soup, try this recipe.

PS. still not convinced about the filtered water in this recipe? Think about this. Water makes up 70% of our brain, 90 % of our lungs and 80% of our blood. Water is essential to life! It regulates body temperature, flushes waste from our bodies and moves nutrients through our cells. It has MANY important roles. You wouldn’t put petrol with chunks of dirt through a nice ferrari, so why put water with limescale, or metal and cooper from domestic plumbing through your amazing body? Nourishing is not just about food, it’s about water too.