Chunky Vegetable Soup

Chunky Vegetable Soup

The garnish for this vegetable soup was made by horizontally slicing a hotdog roll, drizzling it with olive oil and toasting it in the oven. The garnish on the crouton is homemade mayonnaise with cherry tomatoes and fresh soft herbs.

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 sticks of celery, leaves included, washed and chopped
1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
3 carrots, chopped
400g potato, peeled and cubed

Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add some vegetable oil.
Add the onion, garlic and celery and cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the tinned tomato and cook for another 10 minutes.
Pour in the stock, add the bay leave, carrot and potato and bring to the boil.
Turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 50 minutes, stirring every now and then.
Mash or liquidise half of the soup, cook another 5 minutes and serve with a fresh, crusty bread.

Green Soup

Green Soup

1,5litre vegetable stock
750g frozen peas
250g broccoli
300g baby spinach
60g almond meal
grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
a small handful of mint leaves
plain yoghurt, to serve

Pour the stock into a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
Add the peas and broccoli and simmer until the broccoli is tender – about 5 minutes.
Add the spinach leaves, almond meal, lemon zest and juice and mint and simmer for another 2 minutes.
Season the soup with salt and pepper. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Blend the mixture with a stick blender until smooth.
Simmer the soup for another 2 minutes, spoon into serving bowls and serve with a dollop of yoghurt.