Wild Garlic, Lemon and Lovage Soup

 

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 bunch wild garlic, finely chopped (Or, chives finely chopped)

1/2 head celery, finely chopped

2 stems fresh lovage, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried lovage)

1 lemon, grated zest and juice

200g rice

1L vegetable stock

salt and pepper, to season

a little butter or vegetable oil for sweating the vegetables

 

A deliciously fresh and delicate soup with heirloom herbs that is perfect for a cold winter’s day. Add the chopped onion, wild garlic and celery to a large saucepan with a little butter or oil and sweat over a medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir before adding the vegetable stock, chopped lovage, lemon zest, lemon juice and salt and pepper to season. Cover the pan, lower the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until rice is cooked and vegetables are soft. Check the seasoning before serving in warm soup bowls with crusty bread and/or croutons.