Pumpkin Soup

Directions

1. 1
   Heat a large heavy casserole dish on the hob. Add in a splash of olive oil, spread evenly in the dish and then add in the diced pumpkin.
2. 2
   Cover the dish and cook over a medium heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pumpkin begins to break down.
3. 3
   Add in the carrot juice (it's important to use fresh carrot juice as bottled can be very acidic) and then the 2 Knorr Vegetable Stock Pots, stirring until the Stock Pots have dissolved. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8 minutes.
4. 4
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the double cream; these will enrich the soup, adding flavour and a smooth texture. Bring back to the boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from direct heat.
5. 5
   Working in batches, transfer the pumpkin mixture to a jug blender and process each batch for 2 minutes until smooth. Alternately, use a hand blender to process the soup in batches until smooth.
6. 6
   For an extra smooth texture, the processed soup can then be passed through a fine sieve, using the back of a ladle to push it through.
7. 7
   Gently heat through the blended, sieved soup and serve with extra grated Parmesan on the side, seasoning it with a twist of freshly ground black pepper.