WINTER RECIPES
Boston Baked Beans
Homemade baked beans make an easy nutritious meal .
2 tsp olive oil 3 rashers rindless bacon , chopped 1 small brown onion , finely chopped 2 garlic cloves , crushed 1 tsp hot paprika 400g can diced tomatoes 2 tsp brown sugar 1 Tbsp tomato paste 2 x 400g cans borlotti beans , drained , rinsed
Method
1 . Heat oil in a deep , non-stick frying pan over medium heat . Add bacon and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp . Remove bacon from pan using a slotted spoon and set aside . 2 . Add onion to frying pan . Cook , stirring , for 3 minutes or until onion is tender and light golden . Add garlic and paprika . Cook , stirring , for 1 minute . 3 . Return bacon to frying pan . Add the tomatoes , sugar , tomato paste and beans . Cook , stirring often , for 5 minutes or until heated through . Season with salt and pepper . 4 . Serve with toast , English muffins or over baked potatoes
Spicy Minestrone
A great filling soup for a cold winter ’ s day
2 Tbsp olive oil 1 large onion , diced 2 garlic cloves , chopped 1 small red chilli , finely chopped 1 large carrot , peeled , diced 2 sticks celery , diced 400g can diced tomatoes 6 cups chicken stock 100g wholemeal spaghetti noodles 400g can cannellini beans , rinsed , drained ( optional ) Grated parmesan cheese and crusty bread , to serve
Method
1 . Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat . Add onion , garlic , and chilli . Cook , stirring often , for 3 minutes . 2 . Add carrot and celery . Cook , stirring , for 2 minutes . Stir in tomatoes and stock . Bring to the boil . Puree soup at this stage if you like a smooth soup or leave for a more chunky style soup . 3 . Add spaghetti ( and beans if using ) and simmer uncovered , for 10 to 15 minutes or until pasta is just tender . 4 . Season with salt and pepper and serve with parmesan cheese and crusty bread .
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