Cannellini bean soup

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsOlive oil
1eachOnion, roughly sliced
3eachesCelery sticks, sliced
3eachesGarlic cloves, crushed
28ouncesCannellini beans, cooked
1½pintStock
1eachThyme sprig
Savoury
Parsley, to garnish
2slicesWhite bread, crusts removed
2tablespoonsOlive oil
2eachesGarlic cloves, left whole

Directions

CROUTONS

Heat oil in a soup pot & cook the onion, celery & garlic until soft.

Stir in the beans, stock & thyme. Simmer gently for 20 minutes.

Remove thyme & process the cooked ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasonings. The souip can be chilled at this stage until needed.

To make the croutons, cut bread into small, bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a skillet with the garlic cloves. Sizzle the garlic & then add the bread cubes. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cubes are uniformly golden brown. Drain. When ready to serve, reheat the soup. Stir in the parsley & sprinkle with croutons.

"BBC Vegetarian" January, 1996