Autumn delights - carrot and coriander soup

 

So Autumn's rolled round and I was really tempted to cheat and get a tin of carrot and coriander soup this afternoon from the store. After a short debate, I decided to wing it and throw some bits together from the fridge and pantry. Pretty good result, an autumn ace all round :)

Portion size: 4 starters

Sweat 1 white onion and 2 cloves of garlic (both finely chopped) in some olive oil and butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan for 5-7 minutes until onions become translucent. Throw in 1 tsp of coriander powder. In the meantime, prep vegges. Add 6 medium sized organic carrots roughly chopped, 1 large potato (peeled and chopped to the same size carrots (generally quite finely for easy blending later on). Throw in one sprig rosemary and one bay leaf. fry a little more for 3-4 minutes, a squeeze of tomato puree (about 1 heaped teaspoon) then add enough stock (chicken or veg, about 4.5 bowls or 1/2 cm above veges) to cover veges. If you're using instant stock, one cube will do but watch your salt seasoning after :)

Bring to boil for 10 minutes then simmer for another 30 minutes. 

After it has been bubbling away on the stove for 30 minutes, pepper in 1/2 tsp paprika (or more if you are feeling spic-ey) and 1/2 tsp nutmeg and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Time to get it all together. Switch off heat. I use a potato masher (or use a liquidiser if you prefer, Please make sure you have cooled the soup down to room temperature before using a blender to liquidise as hot liquids will cause cover to fly off!! ) as I quite like some chunky bits in my soup and mash everything in the pot well. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in 3/4 cup of whole milk / half cup of cream  into soup and bring soup back to just a low simmer. DO NOT BOIL SOUP!  Let flavours come together for 2 minutes and spoon out into bowls, top with fresh coriander and serve with bread. 

:) :)

I personally love the texture of cream but in the name of 'healthy eating', i'm using whole milk just to give it a creamy texture. The potatoes in the soup will naturally thicken the soup already.