Roasted Garlic and Squash Soup with Salsa Topping Serves 4-6
1 Large butternut squash (pumpkin or other squash will do) cut in half and de-seed
2 Full heads (bulbs) of garlic with outer papery skin removed (do not break into cloves)
3 Sprigs of fresh thyme
2 Onions, sliced
5ml/1tsp Ground coriander
1lt/32floz Fresh vegetable stock or yeast free bouillon
30-45ml/2-3tbsp Fresh oregano, chopped
Pinch Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper
For the Salsa 4 Large ripe tomatoes, full flavor, halved and de-seeded
1 Red pepper, halved and de-seeded
1 Large fresh chilli, halved and de-seeded
2 tbsp Olive oil
15ml/1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 220c/425f/gas7
- Put the garlic bulbs on a small sheet of foil
- Put 1 tbsp of the oil over the
- bulbs and add the thyme, then wrap the foil around them
- Put the two halves of squash, pepper, chilli and tomatoes on a lightly oiled baking tray, lightly rub the vegetables with a little oil, add the foil wrapped garlic to the tray
- Roast in the oven for around 20 minutes
- Take out the tomatoes, chilli and red pepper, set aside
- Reduce the oven heat to190c/375f/gas 5 and leave the squash to cook for another 20-25 minutes until soft, set aside
- Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a pan and add the onions and ground coriander, sauté for around 10 minutes until soft
- Take the garlic bulbs and press the soft centre into the onion mix
- Scoop the squash from its outer skin and add to the onion mix
- Add the stock and seasoning and bring to boil, turn down and simmer for around 10 minutes
- Stir in the oregano and allow to cool a little
- Put the soup in a blender and whizz
- Meanwhile skin the pepper and chilli and add to a food processor with the tomatoes and 2 tbsp of olive oil – stir in the balsamic vinegar and seasoning, add a little more oil if needs be
- Warm the soup through when ready to serve and add a dollop of salsa to each bowl, sprinkle on the fresh herbs
Tips This is a lush and strong tasting soup, will not disappoint those who love taste – the extra work of making a soup like this is worth it
