Hearty Soups To Soothe The Soul On Brisk Winter Nights

Warm, wholesome and full of flavour, hearty soups soothe the soul on brisk winter nights.

Noodle soup with chicken and chive dumplings

SERVES 6 // PREP TIME 30 MINS // COOK 3 HRS 15 MINS

2 kg chicken bones 2 litres (8 cups) chicken stock 1½ tsp sesame oil (or to taste) 200 gm fresh thin egg noodles 1 tbsp soy sauce (or to taste), plus extra to serve Thinly sliced spring onion, to serve CHICKEN AND CHIVE DUMPLINGS 430 gm minced chicken 1 bunch garlic chives, finely chopped 3 tsp oyster sauce 1 tsp soy sauce ½ tsp sesame oil ½ tsp finely grated ginger 30 wonton wrappers This soup is a warm hug, with or without the dumplings, with a double-boiled stock bringing extra richness. A chicken soup to cure all ills, or at least make you feel that little bit better.

1 Combine bones and stock in a large saucepan, add enough water to submerge bones, and bring to the boil, skimming scum from surface. Reduce heat to low and simmer until stock is very well flavoured, topping up water occasionally (2½-3 hours). Strain, then season to taste.

2 For dumplings, combine ingredients, except wonton wrappers, in a bowl and season with finely ground white pepper. Working with one wrapper at a time, place a teaspoon of mince filling in the centre. Brush edges with water, fold over to create a triangle, press to seal and pleat edges. Place on a tray lined with a tea towel, cover with another tea towel and repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.

3 Season warm serving bowls with ¼ tsp sesame oil each. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Cook noodles until tender (2-4 minutes), remove with tongs, drain well and divide among bowls. Boil wontons in the same pot of boiling water until cooked through (2-4 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and add to bowls.