Shitake Chicken Noodle Soup

Place the dried shiitake mushrooms in a heatproof bowl, pour over 300ml (10fl oz) of boiling water, and leave to stand for 30 minutes. Reserving the mushrooms, strain the soaking water into a large saucepan and add the stock. Bring the pan to the boil.

Slice the mushrooms and cut or shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. Break the rice vermicelli into short lengths and stir into the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.

Add the mushrooms, chicken, and sweetcorn kernels to the pan, bring back to the boil, and simmer for a further 2 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and vermicelli are tender. Spoon into bowls and serve at once.