Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup

If you crave a comforting, hearty meal, a bowl of my warming Ham and Cannellini Bean Soup will be perfect. This is an easily made soup that is hearty and nourishing, filled with vegetables, cannellini beans and diced ham. This is a delicious one pot meal that is worthy of a regular place in your meal plans.

• 1 ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium brown/yellow onion – peeled and finely diced
• 1 large carrot – washed, finely diced
• 2 ribs celery – finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic – finely chopped
• 3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock
• 1 cup (250 ml) water
• 400 g (14 oz) tin of crushed tomatoes
• ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – or to taste
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme – finely chopped
• 2 teaspoon fresh rosemary – finely chopped
• 4 parsley stems – finely chopped, leaves set aside for garnish
• 1 piece Parmesan rind – about 7 ½ cm/3 inches
• 800 g (28 oz) tinned cannellini beans – rinsed and drained – I use 2 x 400 g (14 oz) tins
• 1 medium zucchini – finely diced
• 200 g (7 oz) ham – I use thick slices cut into small cubes
• 2 cups baby spinach – firmly packed

• extra virgin olive oil – a drizzle
• Parmesan cheese – freshly grated
• flat leaf parsley – finely chopped