An Egyptian spice and nut blend that has a fantastic crunchy texture
Serves 6
For the Dukkah
50g whole almonds, toasted
1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted
½ tablespoon cumin seeds, toasted
¼ tablespoon fennel seeds, toasted
6 tablespoons olive oil
For the soup
1kg pumpkin or squash, peeled, de-seeded and cubed
8 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
2 onions, quartered
6 garlic cloves
4 tablespoons olive oil
800ml chicken stock
100g ground almonds
To serve
3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
To make the dukkah
1. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until well combined.
2. Transfer to a small bowl.
To make the soup
1. Preheat the oven to 180C fan/gas mark 6
2. Spread the pumpkin, sage, onions and whole garlic cloves on a roasting tray and drizzle with the olive oil.
3. Season to taste and cook in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until the pumpkin is soft.
4. Remove from oven and allow to cool a little.
5. Using a food processor, blend to a puree, adding a little of the chicken stock to ease the process.
6. Tip the pumpkin puree into a saucepan and add the rest of the stock. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring from time to time to ensure a smooth consistency.
7. Add the ground almonds and combine well.
To serve
1. Drizzle the soup with the almond dukkah and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.