Red kidney beans and pepper stew

Ingredients (serves 3-4) 

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 large onion

• 1 carrot

• 1 leek, shredded

• 1 red pepper

• 1 can of chopped tomatoes

• 1 can of red kidney beans

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

• 1/2 pint vegetable stock

• salt and pepper

Heat oil over a moderate heat in a large casserole pan. Chop all the vegetables and saute in oil for 10 minutes.

Add the vegetable stock, chopped tomatoes and paprika. Bring to the boil, season and simmer for 10 minutes.  

Drain the beans and add to the stew, along with the balsamic vinegar. Cover the pan and simmer for another 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and serve with baked or mashed potatoes.

If you're not vegan it tastes even better served with a spoonful of creme fraiche on top, sprinkled with cayenne pepper.