Some like it hot

GETTING to grips with hearty soups is a satisfying way to celebrate the crisp, clear and envigorating months ahead.

A decent soup is easy to make, starting with a few chopped onions and garlic, cooked slowly in oil or butter for 10 minutes. All that is then needed are a few other vegetables such as grated carrots or potatoes, celery, turnip, beans, chickpeas, a can of tomatoes. Cook them with added stock or water until tender (grating helps to speed things up) and you’re in business.

Soup is a good way to use up leftovers. Grated ends of cheese can be added at the last minute. Even an old Parmesan skin has tons of flavour.