The arrival of the colder winter weather brings a need to revisit hearty healthy meal options – somehow that salad that was so refreshing a few months ago just doesn’t quite cut it as the temperature drops. As the shortest day wizzes by, it’s never a better time to throw a big pot on the stove and boil up a brew of soupy goodness. Here are a couple of my favourites that get me through the chilly season.
Hearty sausage hot pot
Chop onion and garlic & fry gently in the pot in one tablespoon of olive oil.
Chop sausages into small pieces (about 3cms long) and add to onion and garlic.
After browning sausages, add the tins of tomatoes and 500ml of water, and bring to boil.
Chop vegetables and add to pot along with stock cube and rosemary.
Simmer for 20 mins, stirring occasionally, serve with crusty bread.
Roasted Pumpkin and Garlic Soup
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Chop pumpkin into pieces approx. 2-3cms square. Place on oven tray and coat lightly in olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add garlic bulb and onion to tray (as is, whole), and bake in oven for approx. 20mins or until pumpkin begins to brown.
In the meantime, boil water and add stock cube. When pumpkin and garlic are ready, peel garlic and onion and add them, along with the pumpkin to the boiling water. Simmer for 5 mins, remove from heat to cool, and blend in food processor to a smooth consistency. Serve with freshly ground black pepper.
What are your favourite winter soups?