Serving size: Serves 4
Cuisine type: Modern Australian
Cooking time: Less than 60 minutes
Course: Main
Favourite flavours: Easy recipes, Soup

Real Living recipe for roasted pumpkin and red capsicum soup with fennel twists.

INGREDIENTS

1.5kg Jap pumpkin, skin washed & cut into 2cm pieces (see Tip)
1 large red capsicum, seeds removed & cut into 8 pieces
4 unpeeled garlic cloves, bruised
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt & cracked black pepper
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
1 egg, whisked
1½ tsp fennel seeds
¼ cup crème fraîche, plus extra to serve
4 cups vegetable stock
Half a bunch of fresh chives, chopped
Sea salt & cracked black pepper

Equipment
Sharp knife
Whisk
2 baking trays
Baking paper
Chopping board
Pastry brush
Fork
Blender
Large saucepan
Ladle
Spoon

METHOD

Heat oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Line baking trays with baking paper.

Roast vegies Tumble pumpkin, capsicum, garlic and thyme on lined tray. Drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine. Roast on lower shelf of oven for 30 mins, or until tender and beginning to colour.

Make twists Meanwhile, place sheet of pastry on board and brush with beaten egg. Sprinkle with fennel seeds and salt. Cut 8 long strips. Prick each strip a few times with fork. Twist each piece 360° and place on second lined tray. Bake on top shelf of oven for 15 mins until puffed and golden. Remove vegies and twists from oven. Leave twists to cool on tray.

Make soup Place half of vegetables in blender. Squeeze flesh from garlic cloves and add to vegies. Add crème fraîche and 2 cups of stock to mix and puree to a smooth consistency. Pour into saucepan over medium heat. Repeat process with remaining vegetables and stock.

Bring soup to a gentle simmer for a few mins to warm through. Season to taste.

Serve Ladle soup into serving bowls, top with a good dollop of crème fraîche, if desired, and sprinkle with chives, salt and pepper. Serve with fennel twists. Yum!

Tip Leaving the skin on the pumpkin will not only save on peeling, but the skin is packed with nutrition so it's good for you, too!