Pasta & Bean Soup

(Serves 4 – 5)

There are few things that I would rather have after a walk or returning from skiing on a cold winter’s day. The combination of beans and pasta tastes delicious; the two food complementing each other perfectly.

LARGE SOUP BOWLS

This soup is a nutritious & satisfying meal in itself. Serve with fresh wholemeal or crusty white bread and follow with fruit.

8oz (225 g) dried kidney or haricot beans.

1 oz (25 g) Olive oil

1 clove garlic

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 stick celery finely chopped

2 tablespoons (2 x 15 ml) finely chopped parsley (fresh is best)

2 oz (50 g) smoked bacon. (Unsmoked if you wish)

14 oz (397 g) can chopped tomatoes with their juice

2.2 pints (1 liter) beef stock – home made or water & 2 stock packets

Salt & freshly ground black pepper

6 oz (175 g) Conchiglie (shells) or Fafalle (twists) pasta

Fresh grated Parmesan (or mature cheddar) cheese

Put the beans in a large bowl, cover and leave to soak overnight. Boil for at least 15 minutes the next day, before using. You can substitute for pre cooked cans of beans if desired

APPLE DESIGN SOUP BOWL

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onion, carrot, celery, bacon & parsley until softened – then add the garlic for the last 2 minutes. The bacon should be just turning brown. Now add the tomatoes, stock and boiled and drained beans. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer until the beans are tender – about 3 hours, but possibly less, depending on the beans.

FRENCH ONION SOUP BOWL

Scoop out a good cupful of the beans and puree in a blender or though a sieve. Put back into the soup and add salt & pepper. Bring to the boil again and add the pasta and cook until the pasta is tender (al dente) – about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

SALMON DESIGN SOUP BOWL

Serve in soup bowls with grated cheese and more freshly grated black pepper.

Note: the soup should be very thick. You may have to cook it uncovered if there is too much liquid, or add a little more stock if it has reduced too much during cooking.

SOUP or BRIE BOWL

All these beautiful bowls and the tureen are hand made in British Columbiaby some of Canada’s finest pottery artists. The pottery is available from Side Street Studio, Oak Bay Village, Victoria, B.C. or on line at www.sidestreetstudio.com

SOUP TUREEN & LADLE (BOWL)