Delicious autumn recipes

As the cold weather begins creeping into our lives, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore some delicious, heartwarming recipes that are great for keeping you warm.

1. Pumpkin soup

Preparation time: 20 min

Cooking time: 1 hour 10 min

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• Half a butternut pumpkin (1.5kg)

• 3 cloves of garlic

• 1 onion

• Vegetable or chicken stock (500ml)

• 8 sprigs of thyme

• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin oil

• 2 tablespoons of creme fraiche

Preparation method:

1. Start off by pre-heating the oven to 220°C. Put baking paper on a baking tray and chop the pumpkin.

2. Drizzle oil on the pieces and then place them on top of thyme sprigs. Roast the pumpkin for 30 minutes.

3. Put the garlic cloves in a foil and put in on the baking tray. Roast the pumpkin again for 30 minutes until it’s tender.

4. Scoop out pumpkin seeds and add the flesh to a large saucepan.

5. Take a stick blender and break down the mix. Add the 500ml of stock and continue to blend until smooth.

6. Add seasoning as you wish and creme fraiche.

2. Beef & stout stew with carrots

Preparation time: 20 min

Cooking time: 2 hours 30 min

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1kg stewing beef, cut into large chunks

• 1 onion, roughly chopped

• 10 carrots, cut into large chunks

• 2 tbsp plain flour

• 500ml can Guinness

• 1 beef stock cube

• pinch of sugar

• 3 bay leaves

• big thyme sprig

• Creamy parsnip mash

Preparation method:

1. Heat the oven to about 160C and then use it to heat the oil

2. Cut the meat really well in small pieces and put it aside

3. Add the neatly cut onion and carrots pieces

4. Scatter over the flour and stir

5. Turn and toast the meat to allow juices back into the dish and then stir again

6. Season the meat stew with some salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar

7. Add your favourite herbs and allow them to settle and sink for a few minutes

8. Cover it up and place it in the oven for a period of about 2½ hrs until the meat is tender

9. Leave the stew to settle a little, then serve with some creamy parsnip mash for a sumptuous meal

Consider making any one of the above delicious autumn recipes for a scrumptious meal and to stay warm during autumn.