Slow cooker vegetable soup

Method

1. Slow Cooker Method: Put the onions into a covered dish and microwave for 1 minute on high. This is to take the astringency from the onions and stop the flavour from being raw and overwhelming the slow cooker soup.

2. Once finished in the microwave, empty the dish into the slow cooker. Add all the other ingredients and pour over the vegetable stock. Cover the slow cooker and turn to high. Cook on high for 3 hours, then mash a little using a potato masher. Serve immediately with fresh chopped parsley if you like a ‘chunky’ soup. If not, blitz using a hand blender before serving.

3. Hob Method: Sauté the onions in a little oil in a large saucepan until translucent. Stir in the potatoes with the onions and allow to cook a little in the oil. Add all the other ingredients and stir well. Pour in the vegetable stock. Cover the saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer the ingredients until everything is tender. Turn off the hob, use a potato masher to mash the soup a little before serving, or use a stick blender for a smoother texture.