Baby in Aus

This year I’ve decided to publish some more recipes on the blog, some of you may not know but I really enjoy cooking. I appreciate that from a few raw ingredients you can create a delicious meal. I’ve become obsessed with all the cooking shows like Masterchef and My Kitchen Rules. My favourite TV chef at the moment would have to be Jamie Oliver, I really love his attitude to cooking and ethics behind his projects. I got his 15 minute meal cook book for Christmas and what a perfect idea for a busy working mum!

So I thought I would share some of my favourite, simple and quick meals that I enjoy cooking for the family. This is my pumpkin soup recipe which is just veggie heaven! It is great recipe to do at the end of the week with your left over veggies, instead of them going to waste. I’ve put what I usually put in but feel free to use whatever veggies you like.

Ingredients

1 half butternut pumpkin

1 onion

1 capsicum

2-3 carrots

1 cup vegetable stock

Garlic and coriander

Olive oil

Salt & pepper

Method

1. Chop the onions and capsicum and heat the olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the chopped veg and sauté until soft.

2. Add the garlic. Use as much as you like, I’m very fond of the Gourmet Garden range squeezy herbs at the moment, very convenient and great for flavour.

3. Add the pumpkin and carrots and stir fry for a few more minutes

4. When the vegetables are softening add just over a cup of vegetable stock. I use the salt reduced cubes dissolved in hot water and they are great for young kids.

5. Cover the pan and allow to simmer for 10 mins or so until the vegetables are pulpy soft

6. Add the coriander, I’m a big fan of coriander and so always add a good glug from the squeeze tube. You can season if you like, but its perfectly baby friendly if you keep the salt to a minimum. Stir the herb in and simmer for a few more minutes.

7. Give the vegetable soup a blast with a hand held blender to make it nice and smooth.

8. Enjoy with some crusty bread!

This makes about two and a bit portions, ideal for the family of three. Just add more veggies to make it a bigger portion.

Pumpkin has to be one of my favourite veggies as its so versatile and yummy! I use it in heaps of recipes, in salads, on pizza, in casseroles. What is your favourite way to eat pumpkin?

Mrs B x