Chickpea and Leek Soup

While this soup doesn't take long to cook, there is a bit of chopping, prep and liquidising/blending.

Cover the potato with water and cook until tender.

Remove the outer skin of the leeks, slice lengthways from the root up, wash carefully and slice finely.

Warm a thick-bottomed pan, and add the tablespoon of oil and the knob of butter. Add the leeks and garlic to the pan, and sweat gently with a good pinch of salt until tender and sweet.

Add the drained chickpeas and potato and cook for 1 minute. Add about two-thirds of the stock and simmer for 15 minutes.

Purée half the soup in a food processor and leave the other half chunky this gives a lovely smooth comforting feel but also keeps a bit of texture.

Now add enough of the remaining stock to achieve the consistency you like. Check for seasoning, and add Parmesan to taste. Garnish with a little olive oil.