Maple-roasted carrot, pumpkin & chickpea soup

Name: Maple Roasted Carrot, Pumpkin, and Chickpea Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 4 carrots, peeled and chopped; 500g pumpkin, peeled and chopped; 1 can chickpeas, drained; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cups vegetable stock; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Warm up with a bowl of maple-roasted carrot, pumpkin, and chickpea soup. This hearty soup features sweet carrots and pumpkin roasted to caramelized perfection with a touch of maple syrup. Blended with chickpeas and seasoned with aromatic spices, the result is a creamy, flavorful soup that's both nourishing and satisfying. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for chilly days, this soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that will delight your taste buds with every spoonful. Enjoy the rich, autumnal flavors of this delicious soup!

500g carrots, peeled and cut into 2cm-thick slices
400g peeled butternut pumpkin, chopped into 3cm pieces
1 brown onion, cut into thin wedges
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tbs olive oil
2 tbs maple syrup
5 cups chicken stock
400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Wholegrain toast, to serve

STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan-forced. Line a large baking pan with non-stick baking paper, allowing paper to extend 3-4cm up the sides of the pan.

STEP 2 Place carrots, pumpkin, onion and garlic in a large roasting pan. Drizzle with oil and maple syrup and toss to coat. Bake, tossing once, for 35-40 minutes until tender.

STEP 3 Pour vegetable mixture from the roasting pan into a large saucepan. Add stock and chickpeas. Using a hand blender, puree soup until smooth. Warm soup over medium heat until hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with wholegrain toast.

Nutritional Facts

Chickpea: High in protein and fiber; supports muscle growth and digestive health. Rich in vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium; promotes heart health and energy production.

Pumpkin: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamins A and C; supports eye health and boosts the immune system. High in fiber, aiding in digestion.

Tips and Tricks

Maple Roasted Carrot, Pumpkin, and Chickpea Soup: Opt for tender carrots and creamy pumpkin for a comforting soup. Substitute chickpeas with white beans for added protein.