Eat Your Greens by Pete Evans, Published by Plum, RRP $39.99,

Photography by William Meppem

This meal in a soup has to be one of the best comfort foods I have come across. It is delicious, nutritious and can be easily modified ( use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock ) to make this a satisfying vegetarian dish. Since I  received this book I have made this particular recipe on a weekly basis.  I am sure you will enjoy it too.

“Pumpkin soup will always be a family favourite, as it ticks all the boxes when it comes to flavour. It is also budget friendly, very easy to get on the table and a great time saver; you can make up a big batch and freeze the leftovers to have on hand for when you need a quick meal. With this recipe I have lightly spiced it with curry powder and added
cashews for a lovely texture. If you wanted to add some fish or prawns, then be my guest.” p237

Comfort Food
Serves 4–6

SPICED PUMPKIN AND CASHEW SOUP
2 tablespoons coconut oil or good-quality animal fat,* melted
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, cut into 1.5 cm dice
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 ½ tablespoons finely grated ginger
1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
120 g cashew nuts (activated if possible*)
1 litre vegetable stock or Chicken Bone Broth (page 312)
500 g butternut pumpkin, cut into 2 cm dice
2 tomatoes, cut into 2 cm dice
400 ml coconut milk
sea salt and freshly ground
black pepper
2 handfuls of baby spinach leaves

Heat the oil or fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and slightly caramelised. Add the garlic, ginger and spices and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the cashews and stock or broth and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes.

Increase the heat to medium–low, add the pumpkin, tomato and coconut milk to the pan, stir and bring back to the boil. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender. Season with salt and pepper
and stir in the spinach. Ladle the soup into warm bowls, scatter on the coriander and chilli flakes (if using) and serve.

To serve
roughly chopped coriander leaves a couple of pinches of chilli flakes (if you like it a little spicy)

* See Glossary