Pork Speck is a type of cured, lightly smoked ham. It can create delicious soups. I am using it for many dishes, and this is a very simple one that I often cook with canned Beans. Today I used Cannellini Beans. The other day I used Boiled Soy Beans and it was really good. Please see a photo below. It is super easy to cook and tastes great. Much better than canned Baked Beans!

Makes

2 Servings

Ingredients

250g Pork Speck *cut into bite-size pieces
1 Onion *finely chopped
1 clove Garlic *finely chopped
1 Carrot *cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon Oil
1 can (400g) Tomatoes
1 cup Chicken Stock *OR 1 cup Water & 1 Chicken Stock Cube
1 Bay Leaf
2 to 3 teaspoons Italian Herb Mix OR other Herbs of your choice
*Note: You can add your favourite Spices instead.
1 can (400g) Beans *Cannellini Beans, Chickpeas, Soy Beans, Kidney Beans, etc.
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Ground Chilli OR Chilli Flakes as required *optional
Finely Chopped Parsley

Method
  1. Heat Oil in a pot, cook Onion, Garlic and Carrot for a few minutes.
  2. Add Pork Speck, Tomatoes and Chicken Stock, and bring to the boil. Add Bay Leaf, Herbs, Chilli (if you add it).
  3. Add drained Beans, cover with a lid, and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the lid and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with Salt and Black Pepper.
  4. Add some extra Black Pepper and finely chopped Parsley, and enjoy.
  5. *Note: The photo below is the same dish cooked with 2 cups Boiled Soy Beans.