Magic bean stew

Get your veg-fix with this hearty stew packed with the best of the season’s vegetables. 

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 bacon rashers, cut into thin matchsticks (optional)
• 2 tbs tomato paste
• 2 large potatoes, peeled, chopped
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups (500ml) vegetable stock
• 400g can mixed beans, rinsed, drained
• 400g can kidney beans, rinsed, drained
• Flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, garlic and bacon(optional), stirring, for 6-8 minutes until onion is soft and bacon is crisp.
2. Stir in paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add potato, chopped tomato, stock and sugar, season, then simmer for 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender and the sauce is slightly thickened.
4. Add beans and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Divide stew among bowls, top with parsley leaves and serve.