Bogeyman soup recipe

Bogeyman soup is one of those brilliant recipes that disguises a heap of healthy green vegetables in a delicious warming soup.

If there are picky eaters in your family who normally shy away from certain veggies, this is the ideal way to get them past them. All blended up together, there's no need for kids to fear the greens - and the creepy name will pique their interest too. This is a really easy soup to make and it's ready in under three-quarters of an hour. If you kids are good at eating their vegetables and like to help in the kitchen, this is a great recipe to make with them. They can peel potatoes or snap the broccoli into small florets ready for the blender. 

Ingredients

• 2 leeks, washed and sliced
• 250g broccoli, broken into florets
• 250g potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 600ml (1 pint) vegetable or chicken stock
• 100g spinach, washed
• 300ml (½ pint) semi-skimmed milk
• Ground black pepper

Method

1. Put the leeks, broccoli and potatoes into a large saucepan and add the stock.
2. Heat until just boiling, then turn the heat down. Cook over a low heat with the lid on for 15-20 mins or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Add the spinach and cook gently for another 2-3 mins, until the leaves wilt down.
4. Blend the soup to a puree using a hand-held stick blender, or transfer it to a food processor or blender and whizz until smooth. Add the milk and reheat gently, seasoning with ground black pepper. Serve.

Top tips for making bogeyman soup

You can use vegetable or chicken stock cubes, or concentrated stock from a jar, following the instructions to make up the correct strength for 600ml (1 pint) of water. Cover, cool and refrigerate the soup, using it within 3 days of making and re-heat thoroughly before serving.

What other vegetables can I add to this bogeyman soup?

Because the greens are all blended up, you can add pretty much any green or white veggies to the mix - green beans, peas, cauliflower, celery, celeriac or cabbage all work well.

How can I make this soup a little more special?

Adding a little crunchy garnish is a great way to liven up your soup. You could use crispy fried bacon or oven roasted kale leaves to add a lovely texture to the top of the soup.

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