HEARTY TUSCAN BEAN SOUP

 

Serves 4

Preparation time: 5 mins

Cooking time: 25 mins

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Ingredients:

 

2 tbsp olive oil

1 celery stick, chopped

1 onion, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

700ml/1pt vegetable stock

400g can cannellini beans in water, drained

400g can borlotti beans in water, drained

Rosemary and thyme sprigs

1 bay leaf

140g/5oz cooked ham, shredded

8 rashers prosciutto or streaky bacon, fried or grilled

 

AND THIS IS WHAT YOU DO…………..

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, then add the chopped vegetables and some salt and pepper.
    

2. Cook very gently for ten minutes until softened but not coloured.
    

3. Add the stock, beans, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf.Bring to the boil, then simmer for ten minutes.
    

4. Lift out the herbs then, using a stick blender, whizz to a roughly chunky but creamy soup.Stir in the ham and bring to a simmer.
    

5. Serve garnished with a few crisp bacon rashers and a swirl of olive oil.