Bean, Basil and Tomato Hotpot

Incredibly easy to make and very warming and satisfying, this bean, basil and tomato hotpot is a winner for a weekend brunch or easy supper.

Ingredients:

low fat cooking spray

1 meduim onion, sliced

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 Tbs tomato paste

salt and pepper

1 tsp dried Italian herbs

1/2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp balsamic vinegar

1 tin chopped tomatoes

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tin butterbeans

handful fresh basil, chopped

To make:

1) Add some low fat cooking spray to the frying pan over a medium heat. Put onions to the pan, and cook stirring until they start to turn translucent. Add garlic and cook, stirring for another minute.

2) Mix in the tomato paste, seasoning, herbs and vinegar then pour in just a little water to deglaze the pan and stir well. Pour in the tomatoes and add the sugar. Let it cook at a fast simmer for about 5 minutes, then add the beans and leave to cook for another 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes until it begins to reduce.

3) Take off the heat and mix in most of the basil, keeping some back for garnishing.

4) Serve sprinkled with basil and with toast, pita bread or ciabatta.

Serves 2.

Note: For variation you could add in different ingredients like mushrooms (add them just before the tomatoes), spiced sausage (to meat it up, add these at the same time as the onion), crumbled feta (at the same time as the basil).