Cannellini Chorizo Cassoulet

This isn't really a cassoulet, I just liked the alliteration. It's actually a stew really but as anyone who has been paying attention knows, the "S" word is one we dont use in our house. The Offspring have an allergic reaction which means they don't even try it. All of which is a bit moot tonight because I am essentially eating alone. The Boy is running late, The Youngest is out in the freezing cold running round an athletics track with her friends, and the Middle Daughter is on stage in her school production of Sweeney Todd (note to self: make meat pies)

It is cold, has been all day - I don't think it has been above freezing all day - and this house is impossible to heat. I don't even try during the day and I am typing this huddled up to a radiator in the Kitchen cos it is about the warmest place around. So that means I want something warming and filling for supper, hot but also spicy. I am trying to cut back on meat a bit so I think beans - I have a can of cannellini beans in the larder and wonder what I can do with that. Well I also have chorizo in the fridge (I always do, it is a really versatile ingredient which spikes up pretty much anything with its paprika and chill notes. So chorizo and cannellini beans, add some more chilli and some smoked paprika too to bring on the warmth and tomato for a liquid base. Lovely - let's give it a try.

And this really is one I made up based on what I had to hand. But because the beans are already cooked, the dish itself is very quick to prepare more reheating than cooking. I think this quantity will serve 2 hungry people because I didnt serve it with any carbohydrate, would stretch to 4 if you had it on a jacket potato or some pasta for example. The result was very pleasing and hit exactly the spot.