Seeing as it's fudging cold just about everywhere north of Cairo I thought I'd share a soup recipe I made last night. Now I've made alot of different soups in my time but this is one of my favourites. I can't recall where I got the original recipe from but obviously credit to them!


You will need:


2 tbsp of olive oil or 1oz of butter
1 1/2lbs of Tomatoes (Skinned, deseeded and cut into 1" chunks)
2 tbsp of tomato puree
2 Cloves of garlic crushed
1 Decent sized onion, diced finely.
1 1/2 pints of good vegetable stock.
150-200g of haricot beans (either tinned or dried (if dried hydrate overnight as per pack instructions))
2 tbsp of fresh mint leaves (chopped finely)
Salt & Pepper to taste


Ok once you have prepared and chopped the tomatoes and onions...


...put large pan on medium heat
...add oil or butter to a large pan
...once oil is heated add oinions.
...sauté for about 4-5 mins until soft (do not allow to brown).
...add the crushed garlic and continue to cook for 3 more mins.
...add the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree and cook for another 3-5 mins until everything is nice and soft.
...add the stock.
...add plenty of pepper and a bit of salt (taste it and add more if necessary).
...(if using dried haricot beans add these now too as they take much longer to cook than tinned)
...bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a simmer.
...if using dried beans simmer for 40-50mins until the beans are tender.
...if you are using tinned simmer for 25 mins, then add the beans and simmer for 5-10 more mins.
...Five mins before the end add the chopped mint.


Serve in warmed bowls with some thick crusty bread and chuck a couple of mint sprigs on top to make it look pretty!


I think this soup tastes great and makes a warming, hearty meal.


Feel free to add your own recipes!

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