WINTER JEWELS TUESDAY 17TH JANUARY

Winter has finally hit and it’s really cold here.

 I love the pomegranates stacked in our local veg shop.

My default supper at this time of year would be a rich beef casserole however that isn’t an option for all of us. Let's face it, after all the excesses of the past few weeks I want something healthy and warming yet simple as a balance.

 In this weather I love soups and could eat them everyday however my enthusiasm doesn't seem to be shared by the teenagers in the family. So a half way house is a delicious Bean hot pot served with home made bread. 

It’s easy, tasty, veggie and here’s the best bit- can be quickly transformed for the carnivores who need a meat hit. It’s also fab as it can be added to easily if more people turn up and the left over’s can be used in ..a soup if there are any left over’s!!

So here is my quick and easy recipe for:

BEAN HOT POT

Serves 4

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20-30minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 onion

2 Cloves of garlic

1 red pepper

3 tins of cannellini beans (or 2 of cannellini beans and 1 tin of butter beans)

2 x packets of chopped tomatoes

Several sprigs of rosemary

½ tsp smoked paprika (can use 1tsp if want a warmer taste and palettes like it )

1tsp red pesto paste

Olive oil to fry. Salt and pepper to taste.

WHAT TO DO

1.    Chop the onion, red pepper and garlic and fry gently in olive oil until soft. Stir on the half teaspoon of smoked paprika.

2.     Open and drain tins of beans and add to the pan

3.     Add the tomatoes, sprigs of rosemary and tomato pesto to the mixture.

4.     Bring to the boil then simmer for at least 20 minutes.

OPTIONAL FOR CARNIVORES

Chop one 10-12cm piece of chorizo into 1cm pieces for 2-3 meat eaters

Fry it gently in a separate pan so you release the rich spicy juices for a couple of minutes. Spoon the amount of bean mixture you need into the pan and cook as before.

This dish is best served with crusty bread or if you have the time, homemade focaccia...I will post my recipe for that another day as it's delicious and easy.

I think it's perfect for a cold winter evening and satisfies the veggie and non veggies in our household.