Beyond croutons: 5 super soup toppers

I am an absolute soup fanatic. I can eat it all year round and not get bored. I know I’m a rare breed, so to get my guests to be as enthusastic I often serve soups topped with some of these delicous goodies for the ultimate wow factor!

POACHED EGG AND PUMPKIN SEEDS

To make the perfect poached egg, bring a saucepan of water to a simmer. Add 2 t vinegar. Using a whisk, create a whirlpool in the water and crack 1 free-range egg into the pool. Cook for 4 minutes, then remove using a slotted spoon. Drain on kitchen paper and top your soup with the egg, toasted pumpkin seeds and a crack of black pepper. Add some baby spinach if you like and a drizzle of good olive oil or even truffle oil.

Perfect match: Woolworths fresh minestrone soup

CHICKPEAS, GARLIC AND CHILLI WITH BACON

This is definitely my favourite flavour combo for soup toppers. Panfry 100 g diced streaky bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan. To the same pan add 1 clove crushed garlic, 1/2 chopped chilli and 200 g drained chickpeas and fry for 30 seconds. Add a pinch of paprika and return the bacon to the pan before spooning over steaming bowls of soup.

Perfect match: Woolworths fresh butternut soup

CHEESY TOAST WITH TOMATO AND WORCESTER SAUCE

This is what my grandmother used to make my brother and I as kids. We always knew what we would get for dinner when she was cooking! I still love it. Toast ciabatta slices under a hot grill on both sides. Shake a few drops of Worcester sauce onto one side of the toast, top with sliced tomatoes and a few slices of Cheddar or gouda cheese, finish with a crack of black pepper and place under the grill once more until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Perfect match: Best with Woolworths fresh creamy sundried tomato soup and fresh basil.

YOGHURT, CRISPY ONIONS AND CORIANDER

Sometimes soup just needs something simple to take it to the next level. I love Woolworths new harissa chicken, pumpkin and quinoa soup opped with a swirl of double-thick plain yoghurt, a drizzle of chilli oil, freshly chopped coriander and a sprinkling of Woolworths crispy onion bits.

Perfect match: Woolworths fresh harissa chicken, pumpkin and quinoa soup

GRATED BABY MARROW, BASIL PESTO AND CROUTONS

The classic crouton is a utterly yummy and comforting. I like to add a bit of freshness by finely grating a raw baby marrow onto my soup with a spoonful of basil pesto and top it off with crunchy salt and pepper croutons.

Perfect match: Woolworths fresh spinach, broccoli and kale soup

DISCOVER A RANGE OF DELICIOUS SOUP RECIPES HERE