"Pumpkin Soup" - The best winter warmer

My favourite winter warmer is pumpkin soup, it's easy to make and all ingredients are readily available at the local supermarket.

Things you'll need:

1 Butternut Pumpkin, chopped
1 Large Brown Onion, sliced
2-3 Bay Leaves
1/4 Tspn Nutmeg
2L Chicken Stock

Preparation:

Cook pumpkin in stock with spices until soft. Strain the pumpkin but make sure to save the stock (remove the bay leaves). Puree the pumpkin and onion, then sieve to make sure it's fine. Add Bechamel sauce and some stock until required consistency is reached.

Garnish with Crouton, a dollop of sour cream and chives.



For Bechamel Sauce:

60g Butter, chopped
1/3 cup Plain Flour
41/2 cups Milk
75g Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
1/4 Tspn Salt
Pinch of Nutmeg

Preparation:

Melt butter in saucepan over medium high until foaming, add flour. Cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes or until bubbling. Remove from heat, slowly add milk whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Return to heat and continue to stir with a wooden spoon for around 11-13 minutes or until the mixture comes to a boil. You know it's done when the mixture coats the back of the spoon. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan, salt and nutmeg.

I hope you enjoy it as much as i do.. Happy Eating!!