Spicy Bean Soup

Ingredients

250g smoked bacon, finely chopped

2 leeks, Washed, trimmed and chopped

250 carrots, diced

1 x 400g can mixed beans

1 litre chicken stock

2 tbsp tomato puree

2 red chilli, de-seeded and chopped

1 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp olive oil

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan, add the bacon and fry for 4 minutes, add onion and leeks and fry until softened, add the carrots, paprika and chilli and cook for a further 4 minutes.

Add the tomato puree, chicken stock, mixed beans, salt and freshly ground pepper.

Cook for 30 minutes over a moderate heat.

Serve in warmed bowls with crusty bread.