Munching Monday – warm, comforting and healthy tomato and bean soup

This is a heart warming, healthy and easy recipe which you can whip up in a flash.  Seriously this recipe is so fast to make and once you have chucked everything in the pot you can sit back and relax for 45mins.   My meat loving husband commented last night “this is seriously very tasty!”, quite something for someone who likes meat at every meal!  With the cold weather on its way, I thought it would be a good idea to post a few of my soup recipes.  Until a year ago I had never really tried cooking soup, but I’m glad I tried because once you have done a few, they are pretty easy to do.  Below is the recipe for the tomato and bean soup.  If you have a meat loving husband or family, you can grill some bacon and add it right at the end.  Here it is:

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil) in a large pot, 1 diced green or red pepper, 2 diced medium onions, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 3 cloves crushed garlic and cook over medium heat until onions are softened but not browned.  Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook another minute.  Rinse and drain 2 x 400g cans butter beans, then add to pot with 500ml veggie stock, 1 tsp chopped thyme (or another herb which you may have in the garden or cupboard), 1 tsp chopped rosemary and 2 x 400g cans tomatoes in juice.  Cover and simmer 45mins.  Season, garnish with chopped coriander or parsley and serve with grated parmesan (or not if you are dairy free!).  Serves 6 as a starter or 4 as a main meal.  Top with some scrumptious and detoxifying coriander if you have any to hand.

Enjoy my lovelies! xx