Spiced parsnip soup with coriander and chilli pesto recipe

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, celery and a little seasoning, and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and ground spices and cook for 2-3 minutes more.
2. Add the parsnips and stock, bring to the boil, and then simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the parsnips are tender.
3. Meanwhile, make the pesto. Soak the chipotle chilli (if using) in a little just-boiled water for 15 minutes, or until softened, drain and then roughly chop. Put the chilli (or dried chipotle chilli) in a small blender with the coriander leaves, Parmesan and 2 tbsp of the pumpkin seeds and pulse a few times to combine. Add the extra-virgin olive oil, season, and whizz until coarsely mixed. Add a little more oil, if necessary, until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Remove the soup from the heat and whizz with a stick blender until smooth (if it’s too thick, add a little more stock). Stir in the soured cream. Divide the soup between 6 bowls and add a drizzle of the pesto. Serve with the remaining pumpkin seeds with warm Chilli cheese scones.

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