Soup is a truly super camper's supper. Warming, nourishing, economical – and easily transportable (if you have a flask). What's not to love?
During the winter make the most of root vegetables such as parsnips and carrots as well as leeks, sweet potatoes, and cauliflowers.
Here's our pick of 5 souper seasonal soups that are perfect for this time of the year. You'll find these and more great recipes and videos from Eat Local ambassador Ali Ray online.
1. Chicken and lentil soup
Cooking time: 35 mins
This leftover chicken, lentil and vegetable soup is nutritious, low-fat, filling, and delicious. A steaming bowl of this after a walk will warm you up and soothe your soul. It makes enough for 6-8 generous servings, so it can be made at home, frozen in portion-sized fresher bags and taken in the cool box to defrost and be ready to use when you need it.
As this recipe uses leftover chicken, it is worth planning your camping meals in advance. My suggestion is to have a dinner of grilled chicken one night, and cook a couple of extra chicken breasts at the same time and put them to one side to use in this recipe the following day.
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2. Celeriac and apple soup
Cooking time: 30 mins
Pair your celeriac with a good-flavoured apple like a russet or cox for a tasty and warming supper dish.
The celeriac might not be the most attractive vegetable, but this large, knobbly, turnip-like root veg is worth more than a second glance. It's tasty, quite nutty with celery overtones, and it's versatile. You can grate it in salads, mash it like potato, roast it or, as I've done here, use it for soup.
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3. Curried Parsnip soup
Cooking time: 30 mins
Parsnips work fantastically well with curry flavours. I've added coconut milk to make it richer and creamier
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4. Cauliflower and blue cheese soup
Cooking time: 20 mins
Soups are great for using what is available seasonally. I tend to stretch mine out by making enough for two days, then adding perhaps some blue cheese or chorizo for a heat kick.
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5. Simple tomato soup
Cooking time : 20 mins
Taking pleasure in the simple stuff, whether it’s putting your hands in the earth or cosying up in a tent with your family, can be very good for the soul. Just like this simple tomato soup.
Made from basic, just-picked home-grown ingredients of tomatoes, garlic and onions – and a good sprinkling of kindness – this soup is simply delicious.
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