We absolutely love soups. Either a consommé, a super healthy and healing broth or a very easy pureé. Actually, all three are considered types of soups and most people think of them as really difficult or labour intensive, but believe me when I tell you that you can have “restaurant quality” soups at home without fancy equipment or spending heaps of money.

And winter is the season where we can get one of the most versatile, cheap and easy-to-use produce of them all: pumpkin. 

Without getting into the many different varieties of pumpkin, let's say that some are better than others for roasting, soups or sauces. 

But here is an easy recipe that will wow your family and friend:

 Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients (to serve four people):

 800g pumpkin, peeled and chopped 

1 onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, chopped 

A splash of olive oil

500 ml chicken stock

1 apple, chopped

1 piece of ginger

2g nutmeg

salt and pepper to taste

80 ml cream for serving

 Method:

1. Sweat onion and garlic in olive oil, add ginger and cook until translucent.

2. Add pumpkin, apple and stock then bring to the boil and skim. Simmer until everything is soft.

3. Pureé all the ingredients with a hand blender or food processor 

4. Tip? Pass the soup through a strainer, reheat and adjust seasoning and consistency. Grate a bit of nutmeg now!

5. Serve it hot with a thread of cream and chopped parsley or chives if you please.

 Chef serving suggestion: if you want to fancy it up, serve it with pieces of persian feta and some homemade dukkah (recipe for a locally sourced dukkah coming next week!), plus toasted pieces of Turkish bread. It will be a delicious lunch or dinner. Remember if you make a big batch that this recipe will freeze very well!

 Note: many variations can be done by substituting whatever you have in the fridge. Be free, have fun and enjoy!!

 3. Pureé all the ingredients with a hand blender or food processor. Tip: for silky smooth results, pass the soup through a strainer.

4. Reheat and adjust seasoning to taste. Add more liquid if needed for a better consistency. Grate a bit of nutmeg now!