Hot smoked salmon, prawn and leek chowder
Christmas is all finally over and cleared away but it is undoubtedly still soup weather…
There’s been a lot of rain here in the UK but there has also been that all-important ground frost early in the morning and it’s this frost they say that tells the farmer when the leeks are finally ready for the harvest. Apparently the leeks need that short, sharp shock of frost to ensure they are at their most tasty and perfect. Of course, I have no idea if this is true but I like the idea that traditionally the weather and change of seasons is what would have led the farmer’s choices, with nature giving him the cues as to when it was time to pick his crop. It’s all very different now and indeed the weather patterns have probably entirely changed since the days when the first frost became an indicator but the leek season is very much still through the winter months, which is when they’re at their very best.
This is my favourite healthy soup which proves that January diets don’t have to be boring! It’s rich, thick and creamy soup, inspired by a visit to San Francisco. To reduce the carbs, I’m using cauliflower instead of potatoes to thicken, but essentially the recipe is the same as the classic clam chowder – although of course I’m using a local hot smoked Welsh salmon instead.
METHOD
Add a generous knob of butter and a little olive oil to a large pan and gently sauté the onions until soft, then add the leeks, cauliflower and celery, place a lid on and sweat until all the vegetables are soft.
Add sweetcorn, stock and the milk to the vegetables and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes. Using a spoon take out one third, blend with a hand-whizzer and return to the pan before adding the flaked fish. Stir with a little more olive oil and let it cool slightly before serving.
We Recommend
Never miss a copy!
Big savings when you take out a subscription.
Food waste collections are coming to parts of Lincolnshire in early 2026 ♻️![]()
![]()
Here are the key things residents need to know:![]()
• New household food waste collections will start rolling out in phases from January and February 2026![]()
• If you’re in one of the first areas, you’ll receive food waste caddies and a guidance leaflet delivered to your home![]()
• The leaflet explains how the service works, what can go in your caddies, and when collections will start![]()
• All food items that are edible and inedible are accepted this includes items such as egg shells, meat bones, tea bags and so much more![]()
• The service is part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling changes![]()
• Not all areas will start at the same time – check your local district or borough council news channels for confirmed start dates![]()
• Food waste should be placed in the kitchen caddy using the supplied liners, then transferred to the outdoor caddy for collection![]()
• Collected food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion plant, where it will be turned into energy and fertiliser.![]()
Look out for your caddy delivery and make sure to keep an eye on local council updates so you know when the service goes live in your area.![]()
#LincolnshireRecycles #FoodWaste #Recycling #EnvironmentAct2021