Tea on a plate a splash of taste

cup (about 1/4 ounce) large-leaf green tea

1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 quart chicken stock or 2 14-ounce cans

Grated zest lemon

Salt and pepper

2 medium carrots, thinly sliced

2 medium potatoes, halved and thinly sliced

1 medium parsnip, thinly sliced

8 to 10 snow peas, trimmed and halved diagonally

Pour 1 cup boiling water over tea leaves and leave until tepid, about 15 minutes. Cut chicken breast in julienne strips. Bring stock to a boil in a soup pot with lemon zest and a little salt and pepper.

Add carrots, potatoes and parsnip and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and snow peas and continue simmering until chicken and vegetables are just tender, 2 to 3 minutes more. Stir in tea leaves and liquid, taste, adjust seasoning and serve. Makes 2 servings.

Anne Willan’s latest book is “Quick Fixes and Kitchen Tips” (Wiley).