Golden Winter Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 2 T butter or ghee
• 1 T oil
• 1 large leek, cleaned and sliced thinly
• 3-4 slices of ginger (optional)
• 1 large or 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 pumpkin, seeded, peeled and chopped
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• (or use zucchini, cabbage, cauliflower, whatever you have)
• 2-3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2-3 bay leaves (optional)
• 1 T dried mixed herbs
• 1 T paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• chopped chives or sliced green top of spring onion, as garnish (optional)

Preparation method

1. Heat butter and oil in pot, add leek and ginger, saute till leek has softened, about 5 minutes. Add the other vegetables, bay leaves if using and stock, bring to a boil, then turn down heat and simmer with the lid on for about 25 minutes or till veggies are fork-tender.
2. Remove bay leaves, take pot off the stove and puree the mixture with stick blender to smooth consistency. Return pot to stove, add mixed herbs, paprika, salt and pepper. Season to taste. Add chives or spring onions if using. Serve soup hot with crusty bread or croutons on top.

Recipes provided by allrecipes.com.au