Winter is now officially here, time for comfort food. Try these simple, hearty soups as you snuggle under a blanket and catch the latest game on TV. Enjoy with your favourite bread.

Butternut and carrot soup

Serves: 4 - 6; preparation Time: 15 minutes; cooking time: 40 minutes

Oil, for frying

1 onion, finely chopped

2 teaspoons garlic, minced

4 sprigs fresh thyme

1 kg butternut, peeled and cubed

2 carrots

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/4 cup water

1 cup vegetable or chicken stock

1/4 cup cream

Salt and pepper

In a saucepan, fry onion and garlic in a little oil until onion is soft. Add thyme and spices and fry a further 2 minutes. Add butternut, carrots, water and stock, and cook until vegetables are soft. Remove from heat and blend till smooth.

Return soup to the pot and simmer on a low heat. Stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for a further 5 minutes and serve with a garnish of cream or croutons.

Chicken tikka soup

Serves: 4 - 6; preparation Time: 15 minutes; cooking time: 35 minutes

Olive oil for frying

1 small onion, chopped

2 teaspoons garlic , minced

1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons garam masala

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cups chicken stock

1 can chopped tomatoes

1 can coconut milk

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Fry the onion and garlic until the onions are fragrant. Add the spices and saut� for a few more minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the onions and garlic.

Add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes and coconut milk to the pot.

Simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove from heat, Add cooked chicken and blend in a blender, in batches, until smooth. Return to simmer until warmed through. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Food Trend:

Bread is the perfect accompaniment to a great winter soup.

Breads to choose from include:

• Dombolo
• Bruschetta
• Roti
• Ciabatta
• Bread sticks

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