Scandi-Style Salmon & Dill Chowder

Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 180°C (fan)/ gas 6

Boil half a kettle

Chop your leek[s] in half lengthways, wash thoroughly to remove any grit then top, tail and slice finely

Peel and finely slice your shallot[s]

Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick with a matching lid) with a small knob of butter and a drizzle of olive oil over a medium heat

Once the butter has melted, add the sliced leek and sliced shallot with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper and cook for 5-6 min or until softened

Meanwhile, dissolve your vegetable stock mix and Dijon mustard in 300ml [450ml] [600ml] boiled water and 200ml [300ml] [400ml] milk – this is your creamy veg stock

Chop your potatoes (skins on) into small bite-sized pieces

Peel and finely chop (or grate) your garlic

Once the leek and shallot have softened, add the chopped garlic and 1 tsp [1 1/2 tsp] [2 tsp] flour to the pan and cook for 30 secs or until fragrant

Once fragrant, add the chopped potatoes and creamy veg stock and bring to the boil over a high heat

Once boiling, reduce to heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 18-20 min or until the potatoes are fork-tender

While the potatoes are cooking, reboil a kettle

Tear your ciabatta[s] into bite-sized pieces and add to a baking tray with a drizzle of olive oil

Put the tray in the oven for 5-6 min or until crisp and golden – these are your croutons

Wash, then add your spinach to a colander and pour boiled water all over it so that it starts to wilt

Rinse the wilted spinach under cold running water until it's cool

Once cool, squeeze as much water out of the spinach as you can, then chop it roughly

Chop your dill finely, including the stalks

Once the potatoes are fork-tender, add your salmon flakes, capers, most of the chopped dill (save some for garnish!) and chopped spinach to the pan

Add half your crème fraîche (you'll use the rest later!) and give everything a good mix up – this is your Scandi-style salmon & dill chowder