2 medium carrots, cut into roughly 1cm/½in chunks
2 celery sticks, trimmed and cut into roughly 1cm/½in chunks
2 good pinches dried flaked chilies (crushed chillies)
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 small lemon, finely grated
1 large brown onion, finely chopped
freshly chopped parsley, to serve (optional)
1 litre/1¾ pint stock (made with 1 vegetable or chicken stock cube)
275²µ/9¾´Ç³ú risotto rice, such as Arborio
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp olive oil
50²µ/1¾´Ç³ú Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese, finely grated, plus extra to serve
100ml/3½fl oz dry vermouth or white wine (optional)