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Beef, Bacon & Bean Soup

This delicious soup is quick and easy to make and a meal in itself (perfect for busy days or keeping the chills away). You can also get away with using more economical cuts of beef such as shin, which really add flavour.

Beef, Bacon & Bean Soup

Ingredients

Serves 6
  • 225g (8 oz) dried white beans i.e. haricot beans soaked
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 50g (2 oz) streaky bacon, diced
  • 225g (8 oz) shin beef, diced
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 2-3 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2-3 sticks celery, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 400g (14 oz) tin tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp wine vinegar
  • 1 litre (2 pints) water
  • salt and freshly-ground black pepper

    • To garnish:

    • 6 slices bread, toasted with slices of farmhouse cheese

Method

Rinse the beans. Cover with water and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse again. Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté the bacon, beef, bay leaves, cumin, onion, garlic, celery and carrots. Add the beans, tomatoes, vinegar, water and seasoning. Bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 1 ½ hours.

Serving Suggestions

Serve topped with toasted bread and melted cheese.