Red Wine Sweet Potato Valentine Soup Food

ROASTED RED PEPPER, SWEET POTATO & SMOKED PAPRIKA SOUP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Put the sweet potato, pepper, onion and garlic on a baking tray. Sprinkle with the paprika and seasoning, then drizzle with the oil. Toss together. Roast for 30 mins or until beginning to brown.
• Tip the roasted vegetables into a blender (or use a stick blender) with the coconut milk, stock, sriracha and maple syrup. Whizz until smooth. Pour back into the pan and heat until piping hot. Check for seasoning, and pour into a flask. Serve with soda bread or toasted sourdough.

RED POTATO SOUP

Steps:

• Start by frying the bacon in a 2 gallon stockpot over medium heat. When the bacon is about half cooked, add in the onions, parsley, garlic and celery. Cook until the onions and celery are softened.
• Add 4 quarts of water to the stockpot. Bring to a boil, then add potatoes. Cook for 40 minutes, covered. Stir occasionally.
• After 40 minutes, spoon about 1/2 of the potatoes with liquid into a blender. Puree till smooth, add the pureed potatoes back into the pot along with the salt, pepper and half-and-half.
• Cook for an additional 20 minutes, covered.
• Stir frequently.
• Serve garnished with grated cheddar cheese and serve with warm French bread.
• Season to taste.