I grew up surrounded by lush, dark and fertile earth - perfect for growing vegetables. My first job was picking tomatoes in Banks in Lancashire in very hot and humid greenhouses and the smell I find endearing to this day.

Many years later, when I was living in Andalusia, I visited a tapas bar up in the mountains and was served a lovely summer soup that so reminded me of my teenage years. It was very like gazpacho but more earthy, and called Salmorejo. It is either served as a cold soup or as a tapa with some bread and olive oil.

I remember it was so fresh and absolutely delicious and I have tried to recreate this with a sort of Turkish/Tibet twist, adding pide, yuzu and a few spices.

Top with anchovies or chopped egg and serrano ham or bresaolo and serve with bread and sherry or Desperado.

#MyCookbook #ChristmasGift