Soup of the Day : Cream Roasted Swede

Also known as rutabaga, or ‘neeps’ in Scotland, swede is a root vegetable similar to the turnip, although it is less watery in texture. Purplish on the outside, it has sweet-tasting yellow or white flesh and can be cooked in much the same way as other root vegetables such as potatoes. It can also be eaten raw in salads. This recipe suggestion sees it used in a delicious creamy soup ...

Ingredients:

Serves Four

1 swede, peeled and cut into cubes
3 tbsp. olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, finely sliced
2 stalks celery, finely sliced
1 clove garlic, crushed
6 stalks fresh thyme, leaves only
1.25 litres/2 pints vegetable stock
142ml/5fl oz. carton single cream

fresh thyme leaves to garnish 

Method: 
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

2. Place the cubes of swede in a roasting tray. Drizzle over two tablespoons of the olive oil and season. 

3. Roast in oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large heavy-based saucepan, stir in the onion, carrots, celery, garlic and thyme leaves and fry for 4-5 minutes until softened but not browned.

5. Add the roasted swede to the pan and pour over the stock.

6. Bring gently to the boil, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

7. Purée the soup in a food processor or liquidiser until completely smooth. Pass through a sieve for an extra fine texture if preferred. 8. Transfer the soup back to a clean saucepan. Stir in most of the cream, reserving some for garnishing. Gently heat through and adjust the seasoning if necessary. 
9. Serve in warm bowls or a soup tureen and garnish with a swirl of cream, some fresh thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper. 

From an original idea here 

Nice with Low Carb Seedy Bread, see recipe details here 

Dear reader - you will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan