Indulge in today’s healthy recipe that takes you on a trip to the heart of Tuscany. This healthy version of a traditional Tuscan bean soup combines the best flavours and rustic appeal of Italy with unwavering health benefits, and simplistic preparation. Tomatoes being the hero of many Italian cuisine dishes are loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants, act as a natural anti-inflammatory, promote heart health, protect vision and eye health, promote skin health and protect bone health. No wonder they’re a hero!This dish is another example of an easy healthy recipe with cumulative effects. Improve your diet which can lead to weight loss and boosted metabolism, which can lead to improved hormonal and general health, which leads to a healthier and happier you. Score!

Ingredients:
  • 2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 brown onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery sticks, trimmed, thickly sliced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled, coarsely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1L (4 cups) salt- reduced chicken stock
  • 400g can cannellini beans, rinsed, drained
  • 400g crushed tomatoes
  • 200g silverbeet, trimmed, shredded
  • 4 slices crusty Italian bread, coarsely torn (if having for lunch)
  • Olive oil spray
  • Chopped continental parsley, to serve
Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute’ onion, celery, carrot, and pancetta, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes or until vegetables are golden and just soft.
Add garlic and stir for 1 minute or until aromatic.
Add stock, beans and tomato. Increase the heat to high and bring to the boil.
Reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until reduced slightly.
Add silverbeet and cook for 2 minutes or until wilted.
Season with black pepper.

Serves: 4

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