Nothing is more cost-effective or delicious as a hearty soup to eat any time of day. A slab of French stick warmed with melted butter finishes it off. If you are super organised, make some cheese scones, freeze and take one out to enjoy with the soup.
Ingredients
| 50 g | Butter |
| 2 | Onions, chopped |
| 1 | Garlic clove, crushed |
| 2 | Carrots, peeled and chopped |
| 1 stick | Celery, chopped |
| 1 tsp | Mixed herbs |
| 1 | Ham hock (Main) |
| 1 ½ Ltr | Water |
| 150 g | Green split peas (Main) |
| 300 g | Pumpkin, peeled and cubed (Main) |
| 1 cup | Fresh italian parsley, chopped |
| 1 | French baguette, serve warm (Main) |
Directions
- In a large pot melt the butter. Soften the onion and garlic for 4 minutes. Add the carrot, celery and herbs cooking for another few minutes.
- Add the hock, water and split peas, bringing to a simmer for 1½ hours. Then add the pumpkin and cook for a further 30 minutes until the pumpkin is completely soft and the ham falling from the bone. Add a little extra water if needed.
- Remove the hock on to a plate and allow to cool until you can hold it. Then remove the ham and chop into pieces. Discard the hock.
- Puree the soup and return to the pot. Stir through the ham, reserving a little for garnish. Season with salt and pepper and stir through half the parsley.
- Serve hot topped with extra ham and parsley, along with hot buttery bread.