SOUP LADLE RECIPES

1. Trim and finely slice the spring onions. Finely slice the lemongrass (if using), peel and finely chop the garlic and deseed and finely slice the chilli. Pick the coriander leaves.
2. Bring the stock to boil in a large saucepan then reduce to a simmer.
3. Separate the bok choy leaves (use other greens or frozen peas instead, if you prefer), rinse them and add to the stock together with the prawns, spring onions, lemongrass and garlic.
4. Cook for a couple of minutes, until the prawns have turned pink and the bok choy has wilted.
5. Divide the vermicelli between 4 bowls and ladle over the soup.
6. Scatter the chilli and coriander on top and season with soy and lime juice.

1. Peel and finely chop the onions and carrots, trim and finely chop the celery, and peel and finely slice the garlic. Finely chop the bacon.
2. Heat a lug of olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat, add the bacon and fry slowly until the bacon starts to release all its tasty fat and goes crispy, then crumble in the dried chilli, and add the dried thyme, onion, carrot, celery and garlic.
3. Cook gently with the lid on for about 15 minutes, or until all the vegetables are soft, then add the lentils and 1 litre water or vegetable stock.
4. Bring to the boil and simmer until the lentils are soft (check the packet instructions as different types of lentils vary in cooking time. If you’re mixing your lentils, cook for the longest amount of time to make sure they are all cooked properly).
5. Drain, then tip in the cannellini beans and, if the soup’s a little thick, add a splash more water. Bring back to the boil and simmer for another 10 minutes, then taste and season with sea salt and black pepper.
6. Meanwhile, pick and finely chop the parsley.
7. Ladle into bowls and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and the chopped parsley. Serve with hunks of bread for dunking.

Heat the oil in a large pan, then add the onion and garlic and fry gently until the onion is translucent. Add the chopped beetroot and juices along with the stock and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Take the pan off the heat and let cool slightly, then use a hand-held blender to whizz to a purée until smooth. Return to the heat to warm through

Combine the soured cream and horseradish sauce in a small bowl. Ladle the soup into 4 bowls, swirl in a spoonful of the sauce, garnish with dill and serve.