Beetroot, vodka and soured cream soup

Method

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, celery and garlic and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and just colouring. Stir in the beetroot and cardamom, season, and cook until the ingredients start to stick to the bottom of the pan.
2. Add half the vodka and bubble for a few minutes until mostly evaporated. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 45 minutes or until the beetroot is really soft. Discard the cardamom and cool the soup slightly.
3. Blitz the soup in batches with the soured cream in a blender or food processor, until really smooth. Pour back into a large, clean saucepan.
4. Gently reheat the soup, stirring in the remaining vodka and seasoning to taste. Divide between bowls, and top with a swirl of soured cream to serve.