Cream roasted swede soup

Prep time: 30 mins

Cook time: 30-60 mins

Serves 4

A delicious creamy swede soup, perfect for these wet and windy evenings. Serve with crusty bread.

Ingredients

  • 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 (or use a generous teaspoon of dried thyme)
  • 1.25 litres/2 pints vegetable stock
  • 142ml/5fl oz carton single cream

Method

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

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.

Heat the remaining oil in a large heavy-based saucepan, stir in the onion, carrots, celery, garlic and thyme 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. Pass through a sieve for an extra fine texture if preferred.