Chump

Well, 'champ' but I've bastardised it for my own means and called it 'chump' so as not to insult the traditional dish!

Mashed potatoes are great but chump is even better and squeezes some greens in.

Boil potatoes until soft - add sweet potato if you're feeling fancy, or celeriac or Jerusalem (f)artichokes*. There must be normal potatoes too though.

5 minutes before you drain them to mash, add a couple of handfuls of shredded spring greens (or cabbage, or sprouts).

If you fancy it you can also fry some leeks and/or chopped bacon while the potatoes are cooking.

Drain the veg and add some salt, pepper, a knob of butter and a splash of milk (use dairy free if vegan). You can also add a bit of mustard or horseradish or some herbs if you want.

Mash it all up and stop in the fried bits if you made them. It's great with sausages and gravy.

If you have any leftover, put it in the fridge then fry it the next day to make bubble and squeak or mix in some tinned fish and make fish cakes.

*jerusalem artichokes are often called artichokes because they give you serious wind! But it's so worth it. Supermarkets never seem to have them but local shops sometimes do and the market too. If the wind bit worries you then try to find some winter savoury herb as that cancels the wind effect.

Sweet Potato, Coconut and Chilli Soup

I had this in The Broadway Cafe in Nottingham and it blew me away.  So I've been experimenting and inventing my own version. This is the simple test one I came up with. You can easily tweak this and add onions, stock, spices etc if you fancy it. But it really doesn't need it.

1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced.
1 can coconut milk
1-2 red chillies, finely chopped.
Olive oil (or coconut oil if you have some)
Water

Heat a large pan with enough oil to cover the bottom thinly. When it's hot, add the diced sweet potato. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 mins or until the pieces are slightly browned.

Turn down to a medium heat and add the chilli and coconut milk and cook until the sweet potato is soft.

Either use a stick blender or jug blender and whizz it up until smooth.  You may need to add some water to get it to 'soup consistency'. Season to taste.