Bonfire night is one of my favourite times of the year. Ever since I was little, me and my family would always come together on the 5th November to celebrate the occasion. The night would begin with a trip to an organised community display just down the road from where I live, where everyone would throw their old stuff onto the bonfire before Guy Fawkes was placed at the top and set alight. This marked the beginning of the fireworks and as the bonfire was placed so close to a residential home, it became an annual event for the fire alarm to be ringing out for the duration of the colourful display.
Another tradition in my family though has always been to host our own firework display in our back garden. I have to admit that health and safety goes out the window a little bit at our Bonfire Night, but it is always much more entertaining when you’re not quite sure what’s going to happen or the fireworks fizzle out before take-off. Bonfire Night in my house however, would not be official without my Mom’s leek and potato soup. For as long as I can remember, this soup has been dished out whilst we stand out in the rain watching the night sky, keeping us warm as the meat cooks on the BBQ. For me leek and potato soup is like the traditional turkey on Christmas day, it just wouldn’t be Bonfire Night without it.
Serves 4-6
- 2 medium leeks chopped
- 1 small onion
- 25g (1oz) dairy free butter
- 350g (12oz) potatoes thinly sliced
- 568ml (1 pint) gluten free chicken stock
- Salt and pepper
- 150ml of double cream – optional (I used Alpro soya single cream to add at the end for a creamier taste but can be made without cream.)
1) Heat the butter in a saucepan and fry the leeks and onion gently for about 7-8 minutes until soft but be careful not to brown.
2) Add the potatoes and stock to the pan and season well.
3) Bring to the boil, lower the heat and cover and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4) Remove the soup from the pan and pour into a food processor and blend until smooth.
5) If adding cream pour into the soup just before serving.
Tummy Happy 