Heart Warming Vegetable Soup

As those long cold winter nights close in, there's nothing better than the scrumptious smell and heat of a homemade vegetable soup.

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped (medium chunks)
4 large carrots, peeled and chopped (medium chunks)
1 large tomato, chopped
1 leek, chopped
1 stick of celery, chopped
1/2 cup of frozen peas
1 large onion
2 cloves of garlic crushed
1 chicken stock cube
1 vegetable stock cube
3 tsp salt
1 tsp pureed chilli or chilli powder (optional)
2 tblsp olive oil

Method

1. In a large bowl make up 2 1/2 pints of stock with the vegetable and chicken cubes.
2. In a large saucepan heat the olive oil gently
3. Add onion, garlic, chilli, leek, celery and tomato
4. Stir continuously for 5 minutes or until soft and well mixed
5. Add the potatoes and carrots, stir together
6. Pour over the stock until completely covering the mixture (don't worry if you have stock left over, 2 1/2 pints is a just a guideline it all depends on the size of your veg!)
7. Bring to the boil
8. Add salt and frozen peas simmer gently until potatoes are cooked through

Serves : 6

Preparation time : 15 mins

Cooking time : 45 mins - 1 hour

Once cooked you can add a generous dollop of creme fraiche and blend to create a smooth soup, or simply savour it the chunky way.