Curried Wild Alaska Salmon and Puy Lentil Soup

This chunky, winter-warming soup is like a meal in a bowl. Ready in about half an hour, it will help keep you nourished and fighting fit.

Ingredients:

• 1 x 418g or 2 x 213g cans red or pink wild Alaska salmon
• 25g butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 leek, sliced
• 1 medium parsnip, chopped
• 1 large carrot, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2 tbsp tikka masala curry paste
• 75g puy lentils, rinsed
• 1.2 litres (2 pints) vegetable or chicken stock
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp coriander, chopped

Directions:

1) Drain the can of salmon, reserving the liquid. Remove any skin and bones, if wished, and break the salmon into large chunks. Set aside
2) Melt the butter in a large saucepan and gently fry the onion, leek, parsnip, carrot and garlic for two or three minutes, until softened. Add the curry paste and fry gently for a few seconds
3) Stir in the lentils, stock and reserved salmon liquid, then bring up to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, partially covered, until the lentils and vegetables are tender
4) Add the salmon chunks and coriander and stir them through gently. Season with a little salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve at once