Ok. So... Let's add some balance. A couple of quick soups. I know you guys are heading into the warmer months, but we're not. And really, not much beats a good soup and fresh crusty bread on a cold afternoon if you've been out playing.
Quicky cream of tomato soup
! small onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 can chopped tomatoes
2 tbl tomato paste
2 cups good chicken stock
2 tbl plain (all purpose) flour
Cream (pouring cream)
Herbs as desired
Saute onions and garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent. Add tomato paste and cook off a little. Add can of tomatoes, chicken stock and flour (mixed into a slurry with some of the stock). Stir well and simmer until thickened slightly. Add whatever herbs you may like. I'm a fan of fresh basil and oregano. Blitz with a wand blender. Add salt & pepper to taste and a little sugar if required. Finish off by stirring in a splash of cream and serve.
Easy Cauliflower soup
Quantities in this one are not really important.
Break a head of cauliflower into florets and chop the stem into small pieces. Peel and chop one medium to large potato (more potato will make for thicker soup). Place in saucepan with enough milk and stock to cover. About half milk and half stock works well. I use chicken stock, but vegie would be fine. Add salt and pepper to taste and a little grated nutmeg. Simmer with lid on until vegies are cooked. Blitz with a wand blender and add a little dash of cream. Serve with a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and a grind of black pepper on the top.