Our 200 calorie curried soup.

This has to be the easiest soup we have ever attempted.  It is thick, creamy and very very moreish.  The parsnips cost 58p - last of the big spenders.  It was simplicity itself and took no effort at all.  I used just a small teaspoon of curry powder, and I feel that's enough for us - but it will all depend on what curry powder you use.  It's best to put less in to start with. 

We are both very pleasantly surprised at the result.  The milk and water/stock was perfect ie 1 part milk to 2 parts water/stock.  It has blended perfectly, and tastes very very creamy.  For us that's a bonus, we didn't need to use cream as some recipes suggest, and our weight loss will be quicker.  

A similar ready made soup would set you back at least £3, whereas our homemade version is well under £1.  Without the onion/bacon topping, the soup is just 120 calories per portion.  We got four large portions out of the parsnips.

Because it was so low in calories, we added this topping to give it some texture.  Using fried onion and bacon, then a swirl of cream for good measure.  For two people I used half a red onion, thinly sliced, one very large shallot and one slice of bacon cut into very small pieces.  The topping brings the whole dish to around 200 calories.  Simply fry the ingredients until crisp and sprinkle onto the soup.