Butternut Squash Soup

by Jayne
(Middx)

Added 1 tsp of chilli flakes to the butternut squash soup as it simmered, gives it a nice warmth and a bit of a kick.

Answer
Hi Jayne, adding chilli's a great idea. You could also swirl a dash of sweet chilli sauce across the top of the bowl (although this does add sugar and other additives), or add a finely chopped fresh chilli to the simmering soup or 1 tsp (or less, to taste) to the vegetables before you simmer the soup.

Paprika, smoked paprika or cayenne pepper are other good ingredients for adding heat and depth of flavour.

You can also add fresh herbs to any homemade soup for extra interest. Chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) is good, you can use both leaves and stems. Be generous, and stir in 1 tbsp or more of the fresh chopped herb 5 mins before the soup is ready, and add another scattering on top.

Flat leaf parsley also goes well, but use leaves only, not the stalks which are rather tough. I also like dill when I can find it, which has a very distinctive flavor. You can grow dill successfully in a pot in a sunny spot, so keep an eye out of young plants in April. You'll need several, as once you've cut the fronds, they don't grow back.


If you liked this recipe, take a look at our other healthy soup recipes.

SBI!