Step 1

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until partly translucent but not browned.

Step 2

Add carrots, celery and capsicum, cook for 1 minute to soften.

Step 3

Add butter and melt. Then add flour and mix until incorporated, and stir constantly for 1 minute.

Step 4

Add broth, mix until flour is incorporated, then add milk. Mix to combine, then add salt, Spices, chicken and peas.

Step 5

Bring to simmer, mixing occasionally to stop bottom of sticking. As it heats, it will thicken – about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t let it bubble.

Step 6

Once thickened to your taste, adjust salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve garnished with croutons and fresh thyme if desired.

Step 7

Croutons: Spray croutons generously with oil, sprinkle with salt, then bake for 5 minutes at 180C/350F or until golden and crunchy.