This hearty soup is great for those chilli days when you need a lunch that warms you up quickly, perfect served with a warm French stick…

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 shallots, sliced thinly
• 1 large carrot, finely diced
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and finely diced
• 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely diced (or leave in the seeds if you prefer a kick)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1½ pint hot chicken stock
• 100g orzo
• 1 tsp mixed herbs

Method:

1. Place the oil in a saucepan over a high heat.  Add the shallots, carrot and red pepper and fry for 3-4 mins, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the chilli and garlic and fry for another min. Sprinkle the paprika and add the tomato puree.  Stir well for 1min.
3. Sprinkle over the flour and stir well until combined.  Gradually add the stock, stirring all the time.
4. Add the orzo, mixed herbs and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover with a lid and simmer for about 15mins or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve hot sprinkled with parsley and a warm french stick.

Top tip: you can substitute the orzo for cannellini beans, or try adding diced bacon