• If you need a winter pick-me-up, it’s time to turn to roasted carrot and herb dumpling soup. This bright dish is sure to lift your spirits in a gloomy winter, and is also absolutely delicious. Fresh, warm, and earthy.

    Roasted carrot and herb dumpling soup

    Serves: 4
    Cooking Time: 40 mins

    Ingredients

    • 100g (1 cup) self-raising flour
    • 30ml (2 tbsp) fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
    • 30ml (2 tbsp) fresh chives, chopped
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 60ml (¼ cup) milk
    • 60ml (¼ cup) fresh cream
    • 1kg carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
    • 3 onions, roughly chopped
    • 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 5ml (1 tsp) ground cumin
    • 1,5L vegetable stock
    • 250ml (1 cup) fresh cream

    Instructions

    1

    To make the dumplings, place the flour, parsley, chives and seasoning in a bowl and make a well in the centre.

    2

    Add the milk and cream and stir until just combined.

    3

    Turn out on a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth, about 2 minutes. Roll the dough into 8 balls and set aside.

    4

    Preheat the oven to 180°C.

    5

    Combine the carrots, onions, oil, seasoning and cumin in a baking dish. Roast until the carrots are tender, about 30 minutes.

    6

    Place in a food processor, add the stock and blend until smooth.

    7

    Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, add the cream and bring to the boil.

    8

    Add the dumplings, cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook until the dumplings are cooked through, about 6 – 8 minutes.

    Notes

    To drink: A rounded, wooded Chenin Blanc has fruity flavours to complement the cream and sweet carrot