warm hearty bean stew

I not sure about those in the Southern hemisphere, but up here in the North we are in need of something warm and comforting.  It's time to bring out the good old faithful, the warm and hearty butter bean stew or Fasolatha as its know in Greece. 

This is a staple in our house and in Greece for that matter.  A very popular dish amongst villagers who practically live on it, and is no wonder they live as long as they do... This is pure food for the soul and great for lowering cholesterol.  Its as healthy as healthy gets.

Serves 4

You'll need:

• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 celery sticks, cleaned and chopped
• 1 tin butter beans (you can use any type of bean, works just as well with cannellini beans or chickpeas)
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• 2/3 slices of bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• olive oil
• Parmesan (option, for serving)
• salt and pepper
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp sugar

Method:

1) Saute onion till transparent
2) Add the carrots, celery, tinned tomatoes, bacon and simmer gently for about 30 minutes till veggies are al dente.  Season with, sugar, cumin seeds and salt and pepper to taste.
3) Add the beans and cook further till the veggies are soft and tender
4) Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh bread.