Pumpkin and Lentil Soup

1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tsp

2 onions, chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

approx 800g chopped pumpkin flesh, plus the seeds

100g split lentils

½ small pack thyme, leaves picked, plus extra to serve

1lt. hot vegetable stock

pinch of salt and sugar

50g crème fraîche, plus extra to serve

 

METHOD

1. Heat the oil in a large pan. Fry the onions until softened and starting to turn golden. Stir in the garlic, pumpkin flesh, lentils and thyme, then pour in the hot stock. Season, cover and simmer for 20-25 mins until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
2. Meanwhile, wash the pumpkin seeds. Remove any flesh still clinging to them, then dry them with kitchen paper. Heat the 1 tsp oil in a non-stick pan and fry the seeds until they start to jump and pop. Stir frequently, but cover the pan in between to keep them in it. When the seeds look nutty and toasted, add a sprinkling of salt and a pinch of sugar, and stir well.
3. Whizz the cooked pumpkin mixture with a hand blender or in a food processor until smooth, then add the crème fraîche and whizz again. Taste for seasoning.
4. Serve with a spoonful of crème fraîche, a few thyme leaves and the toasted seeds scattered on top.

Enjoy

Salt Fish Accra

1 lb salt fish, boiled and flaked
½ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup chopped chadon beni/scallions
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
1 pk All purpose seasoning
1 1/3 cups Evaporated Milk
Oil for frying
METHOD
In a bowl combine the salt fish, onion, chadon beni, flour, baking soda and season up. Add the carnation evaporated milk and mix to a lumpy consistency.
Heat oil in a deep pot and spoon mixture into the hot oil, let them cook until they rise to the surface. Remove, drain on paper towels and serve hot.

 NOTE: This is a tasty dish enjoyed throughout the Caribbean. Enjoy.

Sunday Special

For this Sunday meal we have Saffron Rice, Pineapple Chicken, Macaroni Pie, Herb Roasted Potatoes, Red Beans and a colourful fresh salad.

Enjoy.

Independence Celebration

 

I decided to cook this in celebration of our Nation's Independence. It comprises of Red and white fried rice, Black beans, Potato pie, Cole slaw, Oven fried chicken and Fresh salad. Enjoy.