Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the two finely chopped carrots, the onion and celery and cook for five minutes, or until soft. Add the flat ribs and 3 litres/5¼ pints of boiling water to the pan.

Step 2

Bring back to the boil and add the pearl barley, split peas and bay leaves. Place a lid on the saucepan and reduce the heat. Simmer with the lid on for 1½ hours.

Step 3

Taste and add a good pinch of salt and pepper, to taste. Add the lentils and cook for a further 20 minutes, making sure to replace the lid.

Step 4

After 20 minutes, add the leeks, the reserved diced carrot, the turnip and the potatoes and cook for a further 20 minutes, or until tender.

Step 5

Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper if required.

Step 6

Remove the flat ribs from the pan and set aside on a warm plate.

Step 7

Ladle the broth into serving bowls and carve a piece of flat rib from the bone and place on top of the broth.