- 1 tbsp ghee
- 2 large onions, diced
- 1 celery stick, trimmed, diced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 butternut squash, trimmed, peeled, deseeded
- 3 garlic cloves, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes or chopped fresh chilli
- 800ml/1¾ pints vegetable stock
- 400g tin chopped tomatoes (or 6 large fresh tomatoes, deseeded and chopped)
- 2 x 400g tins cooked chickpeas, drained, rinsed
- 200g/7oz cavolo nero, tough stalks removed, leaves finely sliced
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- large handful grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
- drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- Heat the ghee in a large, lidded saucepan over a low heat. Add the onion, celery and bay leaf and fry for 6-8 minutes, or until softened.
- Meanwhile, peel the butternut squash into spaghetti-like strands using a julienne peeler
- Add the garlic, carrot, oregano, basil, chilli flakes and stock to the pan. Bring just to the boil, then reduce the heat immediately and simmer, covered, for 6-8 minutes.
- Add the tomatoes,chickpeas and squash strands and continue to simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the cavolo nero and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls, then sprinkle with grated parmesan. Drizzle over a little extra virgin olive oil and serve.