CREAMY SWEDE SOUP
This is a smooth, tasty soup which highlights this humble winter veg!
Serves 4
1 swede, peeled and cut into cubes
3 Tbsp olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely sliced
2 stalks celery, finely sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
6 stalks fresh thyme, leaves only
1.25 litres vegetable stock
100ml cream (optional)
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C.
Place the cubes of swede in a roasting tray. Drizzle over two tablespoons of the olive oil and season.
Roast in oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large heavy-based saucepan, stir in the onion, carrots, celery, garlic and thyme leaves and fry for 4-5 minutes until softened but not browned.
Add the roasted swede to the pan and pour over the stock.
Bring gently to the boil, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Purée the soup in a food processor or liquidiser until completely smooth.
Transfer the soup back to a clean saucepan. Stir in most of the cream, reserving some for garnishing. Gently heat through and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve in warm bowls with a grind or two of freshly ground black pepper.