Charmaine's Chilli Carrot Soup Charmaine Lehabe is the co-founder of The Squared Experience, a private fine dining company that has been making waves in Gauteng.

 Ingredients

1 tbs butter 
1 tbs extra-virgin olive oil 
1 medium onion, chopped 
1 stalk celery, chopped 
2 cloves garlic, chopped 
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme or parsley 
5 cups chopped carrots 
2 cups water 
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
½ cup cream
½ teaspoon salt 
2 green chilis 
Freshly ground pepper to taste
 
Method
Heat butter and oil in a pan over medium heat until the butter melts. Add onion and celery and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and thyme (or parsley) and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Stir in carrots. Add water and broth and bring to a lively simmer over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently until very tender, about 25 minutes. Puree the soup in batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Stir in the cream (if using) and salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with crusty bread.