The smooth and creamy taste of this wonderful simple soup is achieved through baking the pumpkin in foil parcels with thyme and butter.

1. Place the pieces of chopped pumpkin, thyme and butter in a foil parcel. Bake at 190ËšC/ Gas mark 5 for an hour or until the pumpkin is soft.

2. Discard the thyme. Sweat the onion in a little oil until soft, add the baked pumpkin pieces, chicken stock and bring to the boil.

3. Blend until completely smooth in a high powered blender. Pass through a fine sieve and adjust the seasoning.

4. Serve the hot soup with some crusty bread.

Enjoy!