Delicious, eye-catching beetroot soup

Cheap, simple and delicious, soup is the perfect winter warmer. Whether you want to: top up on vitamins and minerals to stave off the latest lurgy; save money ahead of the big festive spend; or are looking for a quick to prepare healthy meal on a time poor evening, soup is your saviour.

For something so easy to produce, I’ve come across an awful lot of people who find the idea of making their own rather daunting, opting for overpriced shop bought instead. Trust me, once you’ve tried your own creation, you’ll resent paying for a salt-packed, mediocre readymade soup again.

Arm yourself with a hand blender – I use this one, but you can pick up a decent one for under a tenner – and have a go at the plethora of recipes out there.

Here are five seasonal favourites to get you started….

Beetroot Soup with Goats Cheese Croutons

The first time I made beetroot soup, I got that ‘what on earth has she made now..’ look from my boyfriend, but as most things that are judged by their cover, it was a hit. I love the wonderful, deep purple hue and sweet, earthy taste of beetroot soup. High in protein, packed with nutrients and minerals such as potassium, beta-carotene, iron, zinc; vitamins A, C and B6, as well as folic acid and betaine (which supports liver function, vital at this Christmas party-filled time of the year), this soup is bursting with goodness! It’s also virtually fat and calorie free and boasts aphrodisiac properties. It’s delicious alone, but topping with goats cheese croutons as in this recipe, takes it to another level.

Spicy Parsnip

Not just the reserve of Sunday roasts; parsnips make a great base for soup. The natural creaminess of this pale, sweet root vegetable gives a luxurious taste and texture without the need for fatty dairy additions, and adding a hint of spice and ginger adds a lovely kick, perfect for giving you a boast on chilly days. This one’s packed with vitamin C, fibre, folate (great for mums to be) and potassium, for lowering blood pressure.

Jerusalem Artichoke

Don’t be put off by its knobbly texture, Jerusalem Artichokes are deliciously sweet and nutty and, with vitamin C, phosphorus (great for maintaining healthy bones and teeth), potassium and iron among its nutritional stats, it’s an underrated super food. Try this simple recipe from Abel and Cole.

Watercress

Iron, zinc and vitamins A and C for hair, nails, skin and eyes; B6 and E to protect the immune system; B1 and magnesium to boost metabolism and energy; glucosinolates to support the liver…is there nothing watercress can’t help? I love eating it straight from the bag like a packet of crisps, but it also makes a delicious, healthy and saintly soup.

Borlotti Bean and Cabbage

Both cabbage and borlotti beans are in season right now – and with extra ingredients such as bacon, courgettes and tomatoes, this is a great lunchtime filler. Cabbage is high in vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties; borlotti beans are great energy boosters, with iron, potassium, folic acid and magnesium among the goodness packed in. It’s just as lovely without the bacon, so suitable for vegetarians too.

Add foie gras to your Jerusalem artichoke soup for a simple, chic dinner party starter