Minty Potato Soup

Soup-a-soup-ah Tasty soup-a-soup-ah *Goes into Mighty Boosh trance*

Although October has been deceivingly warm this year, the sun is going down earlier and earlier each day, and we gotta get our comfort on. And how are we gonna do that? Whooly jumpers and slippers, jammie bottoms, and....a bowl of soup perhaps? It's a great start anyway, and I have a super simple recipe for you today that only requires a handful of ingredients, and about half an hour all-in on the clock.

Don't be scared of the amount of celery in this recipe. Because you know how it's sometimes pretty strong in flavour? Well - the stock and the mint manages to "shut it up" or at least quieten it a little, and the result if refreshing, warming and I found it in the "brain food" section in the recipe book it's from, so it's perfect if you're studying, or have got work ahead of you... But really I didn't have work or studies on this day, I just enjoyed this with some lovely toasted bread.

Minty Potato Soup
(Serves 3-4)

1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tbsp (extra-virgin) olive oil
A whole bunch of celery, with leaves, chopped
1 large baking potato, cut into small dice
850ml vegetable stock
A handful of mint leaves (extra for garnish)
Pepper, to taste

- Start by heating up oil in a big casserole and soften the onion and garlic for about five minutes.

- Now, tip in the celery and potato and stir so it's all coated with oil. Cover and cook a little on low heat - allowing the vegetables to steam and soften a little, for about 5 minutes.

- Add the stock and a little dash of pepper and cover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes until the potato and celery are tender. Now, add the mint leaves and use a stick blender or food processor and whizz until smooth. It doesn't matter if there are a few pieces left though, it tastes delicious!

- Serve topped with either small minty leaves or finely chopped mint, with some toasted bread for mopping.

I am so glad I have found a recipe that calls for celery that I like! Usually the only times I used celery before, was when I was making Sloppy Joe's (One of my favourites!), but I am glad I have something else to use it in now as well.
Do you have a favourite recipe that features celery?

Today, I have been dog-sitting Charlie the Cavalier King Cocker Charles Spaniel aaaaall day for a couple of my friends. It was the first time I had the pleasure to meet the wee chap, and we became good friends in no time at all. An hour after his arrival, he was nicely snuggled up to me, and two walks and ten hours later, he was conked out, happy and fed. He's been on his best behaviour all day, and I have to say it was great getting to hang out with a four-legged friend again!

Subtly wagging his tail, he couldn't help it, too much happiness to contain ^ ^


Original source:
Good Mood Food, p. 33

- Jules