Paul Flynn: My hearty soup that doubles as a lunch or dinner

This chunky, substantial broth from Irish Times food columnist and chef Paul Flynn has a surprise addition: grated apple. The acidity of the fruit brings a touch of freshness to the soup. There is eating and drinking in this soup, as the saying goes, so fill a big mug or bowl and it’ll easily stand in for lunch or dinner.

CHICKEN, LEEK AND BACON BROTH

Serves 4
Cooking time: 50 minutes

Ingredients
1tbsp butter
1 packet smoked bacon lardons, 125g
2 medium leeks, finely sliced and rinsed (keep a little water on the leeks)
200g dried broth mix
1 sprig thyme
2 litre chicken stock
2 chicken breasts, cut into 1cm pieces
1 large apple
Salt and pepper

Method
1 Cook the bacon gently in the butter for three minutes, then add the leeks and the thyme.

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2 Turn in the bacon juices, cover with a lid and cook gently for five minutes, turning once or twice.

3 Add the broth mix and the stock.

4 Bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the broth mix is tender.

5 Add the chicken and cook for 10 more minutes.

6 Peel and grate the apple, add to the soup.

7 Remove the thyme, season and serve.