For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, it is Autumn now, we are enjoy the shift of seasons that is welcoming a cool breeze across the sea and earlier sunsets. To accompany the cozy feeling of wearing a few more layers we thought we would share this delightfully heart warming recipe with you.

This recipe has been adapted from the Mana kitchen, as we imagine you would seldom have a need to serve more than 20 people, a delicious combination of seasonal vegetables, fibrous beans and herbs with a sense of Autumn vibrancy. Most of these ingredients we grow fresh in the garden, especially this particular combination of herbs. You may have even tried this soup for dinner here!

We have kept the cooking process simple, allow time to soak your beans over night otherwise you should have this hearty soup ready within a couple of hours. Enjoy.

INGREDIENTS: (serves 4)

1 Cup mixed beans – soaked overnight

2 med onions

Lots of garlic

2 zucchini

2 carrots

1/4 head celery

1 capsicum

1 tin tomato puree

1 tin tomatoes (fresh if available)

Vegetable Stock

Cayenne, thyme, basil and bay leaves

METHOD:

1. Pre cook beans until slightly underdone.
2. Saute chopped vegetables and garlic in olive oil
3. Add tomatoes, puree, herbs and stock
4. Add drained beans and simmer together until all ingredients are cooked.

Suggestion: serve hot with topping of yoghurt, parsley and corn bread.