Smokey Tomato and Haricot Bean Soup

A bowl of fireside wholesomeness... Vegan - Vegetarian - Carnivore adaptable

I use organic ingredients where possible and guesstimate the amounts. When you're making soup it doesn't matter if there is a little bit more or less of this that and the other. Enjoy experimenting with the flavours you enjoy. Also remember;- as you experiment with flavours and amounts, start with less and add more - it's easier to add than take away when it comes to ingredients.

Smokey Tomato and Haricot Bean Soup

Ingredients - makes approx 4-6 servings

• 2 medium onions - chopped

• 1 tbsp of oil for cooking

• 2 cloves of garlic - crushed or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  

• 1 can of tinned tomatoes

• 2 cans of Haricot beans, or similar - you can use any beans or pre soak and cook your own and add 2 - 3 cups (or more) to taste

• 4 sundried tomatoes chopped - either dried or from oil, either will work

• 3 medium sized carrots - diced

• 2 sticks of celery - diced

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• 1 &1/2 tsp of sweet paprika

• 1&1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Dash of Turmeric powder of grate in a little fresh turmeric

• 2 tsp mixed herbs - dried or fresh - go crazy and mix your own.

• 1 dessert spn or a little more to taste of liquid smoke - see here

• 1/2 - 1 ltr of water or vegetable, chicken or beef stock depending on food preferences.
  

• Emit this ingredient if using stock - Generous splash of balsamic vinegar (start with less add more to taste)
  

Method:

1. In a medium saucepan heat the oil on medium and add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, herbs and spices and sundried tomatoes. Cover and sweat for about 5 - 6 mins.

2. Add beans, tinned tomatoes, water, liquid smoke and balsamic vinegar or stock.

3. bring to boil and simmer on a low heat for 45mins to an hour to let the smokey and paprika flavours develop to their fullest.

4. This can also be made in a slow cooker and I suggest cooking on high for a couple of hours.

Variations:

1. For the carnivores - this recipe would go really well with some sausage slices in it. Cook sausages then slice and add in the last 20 mins of cooking.

2. Pancetta or bacon bits would also be a good addition to this soup and make it a meal in a bowl. Add these at the beginning with the onion and garlic.