Spiced carrot bisque with hemp recipe

Beautiful bisque

Think vegetable soup and you may think of a chunky bean-laden broth, as thick as your favourite winter jumper. Don't get us wrong - we love those soups, and the list of our favourite combinations could go on at least until the start of spring. But sometimes, a more delicate soup is required. Enter vegetable bisque, or spiced carrot soup. It's a silky delight that will warm your bones on a cold winter's day, while still feeling light and wholesome. The earthy spice of ginger adds warmth, while coconut milk brings a touch of rich sweetness. When it comes to thickness, simply go with how you feel on the day. Our bisque is gutsy enough to be served as a thick, hearty soup, or simply add a bit of water to thin the consistency.  This recipe invites tinkering; the addition of other seasonal vegetables - particularly orange coloured ones, like sweet potato or butternut squash - won't go amiss here.

Balancing flavours

Start with a classic base of celery and carrot, with fennel for freshness. We've swapped out the potentially sharp flavour of onion for softer, more delicate leek. The main body of the soup comes from substantial, wintry vegetables; carrot, of course, but also earthy parsnips. Whether roasted, baked or blitzed into a soup, these two root vegetables are a match made in heaven, full of comforting sweetness. Fresh ginger forms the bass note of the soup, while a sprinkling of chilli and black pepper towards the end of cooking add brightness and aroma. Serve with good, crusty bread, torn into generous hunks for dipping, and a glass of really good organic wine. An absolutely perfect weekend lunch to follow a brisk morning walk.

Helpful hemp seed powder

Just a teaspoon and a half of Erbology Organic Hemp Seed Powder adds further nutritional value to this already very healthy carrot soup recipe. To combat inflammation and maintain normal brain and muscle function, our bodies need two special unsaturated fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6.(3)(4) While we need both, Western diets tend to contain too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3. This can lead to health problems. Hemp seeds are notable in the world of nutrition for their perfect 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Alongside its impressive portion of essential fatty acids, Hemp seed powder is also an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre. These are both essential for digestion. If you aren't able to jet off to sunnier climes this winter, then you might also be glad of the high vitamin D content of hemp seeds. Vitamin D is essential for bone, teeth and muscle health. We can produce it ourselves from exposure to sunlight, but during the winter months when we don't get enough sun, hemp seeds can lend a helping hand. Many people converting to a plant-based diet are anxious about getting enough protein. But your body can produce protein - provided it gets all the essential amino acids.(5) Hemp seed is also a complete plant-based source of protein, making it a great addition for those wanting to look after their muscle health.