Thyme-flavoured White Bean Soup

Thyme-flavoured White Bean Soup

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Serves 4

50g dried white beans (cannellini or haricot)

4 rashers lean smoked back bacon, cut into strips

4 small shallots, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 celery sticks, chopped

2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

2-3 tsp veg stock bouillon powder (or 1 cube)

150 ml skimmed milk

fresh ground black pepper.

Soak the beans overnight.  After soaking, rinse well and place in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil.  Simmer gently for 30 mins.

In a separate non-stick pan, dry fry the bacon, shallots, garlic and celery for 5-6 mins until soft.  Add to the beans along with the thyme and stock powder or cube. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 30 mins, topping up with water as required.

After 30 mins the beans should be soft.  Blend the soup until smooth.  Return to the heat and adjust the consistency to your requirements with a little skimmed milk.

Season well and serve hot.