Jerusalem artichoke and chestnut soup

Heat the butter in a large heavy-based pan, add the shallots and fry gently for 5 minutes until softened.

Add the garlic, thyme and drained artichokes and cook for a further 5 minutes. Stir in the sherry, chestnuts and chicken stock and bring to the boil.

Reduce to a simmer, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook for approximately 10 minutes, until the artichokes are tender. While the artichokes are cooking, prepare the chorizo.

Heat a little olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan until hot, and fry the chorizo slices for 3 minutes. Remove the chorizo from the pan and reserve the oil.

Blend the soup with a hand blender or in a jug blender until smooth.

Return the soup to the pan, stir in the cream, check the seasoning and warm through. Add a little extra stock or water, if it seems too thick.

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, top with chorizo slices, drizzle with the reserved chorizo oil and sprinkle over the chopped parsley. Accompany with crusty bread.