Spiced Squash Soup

I adore squash. Seriously, there's nothing that you can't use it for, from starters all the way through to dessert and it's always good! I can't believe I've only discovered it in the last few years. We grew some squash this year in our garden before we moved and it was great to have it there all the time. However, it's so easy to pick up squash in the supermarket these days that you don't have to grow your own, though you will find the varieties somewhat limited. Try your local farmers market though, they will have lots more options for you. This recipe works with all types of squash once you keep the quantities the same.


Serves 4

Ingredients

2tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (I use Harbanero chillies myself but it makes for hot soup. Try your own favourite chilli)
2tbsp chopped fresh coriander
1 bay leaf
1kg squash, peeled, deseeded, and diced
600ml vegetable stock
Salt and pepper
Single cream, to garnish

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes. Add the ginger, chilli, coriander, bay leaf and squash and cook for another 5 minutes.
2. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about half an hour, or until the squash is tender. remove from the heat, take out the bay leaf and leave the soup to cool a little.
3. Transfer the soup to a food processor and blend until smooth. Return the mixture to the pan, season to taste with salt and pepper and reheat gently, stirring.
4. Remove from the heat, pour into warmed bowls and serve garnished with a swirl of cream.