Winter Roots and Beans Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 medium swede, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 1 medium parsnip, peeled and chopped into chunks
• 4 sprigs thyme, stalks removed
• 850ml low-sodium vegetable stock
• 550ml semi-skimmed milk
• 2 x 400g can mixed beans
• A pinch of ground black pepper
• 1 medium wholemeal or granary French baguette

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan then add the garlic and onion, frying over a medium heat for 5 minutes or until soft but not coloured.
2. Add the prepared swede, carrot, parsnip and sprigs of thyme, then stir to combine.
3. Add the stock and milk, bring to the boil then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. While the vegetables are cooking, drain the canned mixed beans into a colander and rinse.
5. When the vegetables are tender, remove from the heat and put ⅓ into a food processor or blender, then blend until smooth.
6. Return the blended mixture to the pan, add the beans, stir and warm through over a low heat.
7. Season the soup with black pepper to taste.
8. Serve the soup in bowls with half of the French baguette per person.