Parma Ham, Sage, Onion and Barley Soup

Ingredients

1 red onion finely chopped
1 tablespoon coriander seeds crushed
2 cloves of garlic peeled and finely chopped
Olive oil
1 butternut pumpkin, peeled, deseeded and roughly chopped
2 good handfuls of fresh sage
1 good handull of pearl barley
2 packets of chicken stock
1 pack of parma ham
Salt and pepper
Extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. In a large pot slowly fry the onion, coriander seeds and garlic in a little olive oil until softened.
2. Add the squash, sage and pearl barley. Stir in the stock.
3. Bring to the boil then simmer for 1 ½ hours.
4. Take half the soup and lquidize it to make it smooth.
5. Add it back to the pan and add the parma ham.
6. Season carefully with salt and pepper.
7. Add a little chilli and ground nutmeg if you like.
8. Serve with a glug of extra virgin olive oil and some hot crusty bread.