Autumn blues? Time for Broccoli, Gruyère & Chorizo Soup! (BBC Good Food feature! Yay!)

I’d always assumed that if I were ever to grace BBC Good Food’s Share Your Recipe section, it would make perfect sense to do so in its annual Christmas edition (C for Christmas Nut was part of my 30 before 30 alphabet in pictures, and for good reason). And so… lo and behold!

In need of a warming autumn soup? Then look no further! Full story in this month’s issue!

BROCCOLI, GRUYÉRE & CHORIZO SOUP (serves 6)

1tbsp yellow mustard seeds
1tbsp fennel seeds
150g chorizo, skin removed, cut into cubes
1tbsp rapeseed oil
1 onion, chopped
1.5 litres chicken stock
2 heads of broccoli (approx 800g), cut into florets
150g Gruyère, grated
3tbsp double cream

1. Dry-fry the mustard and fennel seeds over a medium heat until the mustard seeds start to pop. Using a pestle and mortar, grind the seeds to a fine powder.
2. In a large saucepan, fry the chorizo (without any oil) for 4 minutes over a medium heat until it releases its oils, then use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate and set aside.
3. Add the oil to the pan and tip in the onion and garlic. Cook for 10 minutes until the onion is softened. Stir in the ground spice mix and fry for a further 1 min, stirring continuously, before adding the broccoli and chicken stock. Bring the liquid to the boil, then put a lid on the pan, turn the heat to low and leave the soup to simmer for 5 mins or until the broccoli is tender.
4. Blend the soup until completely smooth in a food processor, or with a stick blender, then stir in two-thirds of the Gruyère and the cream. Season to taste. Spoon into bowls and top with remaining cheese and the chorizo.