Beetroot & horseradish soup

Put the oil in a large saucepan set over a medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until translucent but not browned. Add the chopped beetroot and fennel seeds; cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add the dry sherry, if using, along with the tomato purée and horseradish; cook for 1 minute. Pour in the stock with 500ml water, stir well and bring up to the boil.

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes, until the beetroot is completely tender. Blend the soup in the pan using a stick blenderor transfer to a freestanding blender in batches. Return the soup to the pan, heat through gently and keep warm.

Stir the lemon juice into the hot soup and season, if needed. Divide between warm bowls and dot with ½ teaspoonfuls of goat’s cheese, scattering with the chopped dill and root vegetable crisps.