Algarve Bean Soup

Although the Algarve region of Portugal is best known for its fish dishes, beans are a popular staple of the Algarve diet. Algarve bean soup is a recipe which has been handed down from generation to generation of Algarve families.

There are many types of beans grown in the Algarve. Most of the local Algarve vegetable markets will have a varied selection of dried beans to choose from such as "feijao manteiga". The traditional Algarve bean soup is a mixture of beans, pasta and vegetables, which is usually served hot.

Ingredients:
1 slice of pumpkin (optional)
1 onion
2 carrots
2 potatos
1 tin of beans
1 stick of celery with the leaves
1 litre of water
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 clove
Fresh mint (optional)
100g pasta shells
Salt (add to your preference)

Peel the vegetables and cut the pumpkin, onion, potatos, carrots and celery into pieces. Place the vegetables into a pot with 1 litre of water and boil for 20 minutes. Add half of the portion of the oil and the clove and cook for 5 more minutes. Add the beans, the remaining oil and season with salt and fesh mint. Cook for a further 15 minutes and serve hot.