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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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