Chow down

Two ways to warm a winter night. One pot filled with common ingredients and a house filled with a hearty aroma.

Fish and Mussel Chowder. Picture: Guy Bailey

These hearty one-pot soups are perfect for winter. For the chowder, I like to add un-dyed smoked fish; use fresh fillets if preferred.

The vegetable soup can be made ahead of time. Serve with crusty bread.

FISH & MUSSEL CHOWDER

1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

3 rashers bacon, chopped

1 tablespoon plain flour

600ml fish stock

6 chat potatoes, quartered

300ml milk

250g fresh white fish fillet, cut into bite-size pieces

200g un-dyed smoked fish, skin removed and flaked

Handful fresh live mussels

1?3 cup cream

Pinch cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons chopped

flat leaf parsley

Crusty bread, to serve

Heat oil in large saucepan; add onion and bacon, fry for 7-8 minutes until onion is soft and bacon is cooked.

Stir in flour; cook for 1 more minute.

Slowly pour in fish stock, stirring well until it boils and thickens slightly.

Add potatoes, cover; simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir in milk.

Add fish and mussels, bring to boil; simmer for 4 minutes. Add cream; simmer for 1 minute more. Add cayenne pepper; season to taste.

Sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4

And to drink ... A full-flavoured white: the 2015 Jericho Fiano ($25)

CHUNKY WINTER VEGETABLE SOUP

3 carrots, chopped

1 celeriac, peeled and chopped

1 parsnip, peeled and chopped

2 onions, chopped

1/2 butternut pumpkin, peeled

and chopped, seeds discarded

1 leek, trimmed, washed, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

4 leaves chard, sliced

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1.5 litres vegetable stock

2 tablespoons chopped fresh

basil leaves

Sprig fresh thyme

2 tablespoons chopped

fresh parsley

Heat olive oil in large saucepan; add carrots, celeriac, parsnip, onions, pumpkin. Fry, stirring, for 7 minutes.

Stir in leek, zucchini, chard and garlic; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.

Add stock, bring to boil, simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Add herbs; season. Serves 6

And to drink ... A malty amber ale: the Boatrocker Big Love ($5.50)

davidherbertfood.com