Sunny soup on a rainy day

I think I've mentioned before how I like a rainy day. Especially the ones that start out grey with mists twirling round tree trunks; a rough wind that makes the palm fronds rear like wild horses, leaf manes flying; Rain that starts in a whisper and fall in a steady curtain

Today is such a day. I feel like taking pictures of everything! But like wild horses, it is sometimes difficult to catch what you're eyes are witnessing. If you want a colour to shine, put it against grey.

I spend most of the day indoors, feeling snug and cosy. I decide on a simple soup for lunch - comfort food. As always, I have a look at what I have available, being in no mood or apparel to go shopping on a day such as this.

Some nice young butternut, onions, garlic. I could make my favourite butternut soup with orange zest. Only thing is, it's not orange season so I don't have the all important zest. What else can I use as substitute? Something fresh tasting, slightly tangy, in season.

As far as fruit goes I have Granny Smith apples, bananas, apricots and exactly two gooseberries from the bush outside, to choose from. I pair them one by one with the butternut in my imagination and decide to go with the apricot.

A sunny soup if ever there was one!

4 small butternut, halved and seeds scooped out
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
4 cups water or chicken stock
3 ripe apricots, halved and stoned (or the zest of one orange)
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
Preheat oven to 180 degree C and roast butternut on a tray until soft and slightly browned.
Leave to cool while frying the onion and garlic till soft and translucent.
(If using the zest, fry this with the onion and garlic)
Scoop butternut flesh from skins and add to onion mix. Discard the skins.
Add water or stock,apricots and seasoning to taste and simmer for 15 minutes.
Blend with a stick blender until smooth and puffy.
Garnish with roasted butternut seeds and serve with crusty bread.

Note: This makes a good two litres of soup. And it should freeze nicely.

Matilda