MHAW 2020: Eleanor Swain
Hi, my name is Eleanor Swain and I am a trainee solicitor at Watkins and Gunn.
It has been a trying and scary time for us all, but it is important to maintain a healthy body and mind. In keeping with the theme for MHAW, we need to be kind to ourselves by taking care of our physical and mental health.
I need to keep busy all the time. I have been doing all my general hobbies, but I am also cooking a lot of meals from scratch. Cooking for me is relaxing; I like to be culinarily creative and I like the feeling of accomplishment once you’ve cooked a delicious meal.
So to help you be kind to yourself, here is my recipe for spicy bean soup, which is healthy and delicious.
Finely chop one onion and garlic. Heat oil in a pan and gently cook until soft and translucent. Add your tinned beans (2-3 tins) – I use whatever is in my cupboard. Add small tsp of chili flakes, cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper. Add 300ml veg or chicken stock and 2 tins of chopped tomatoes. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 -30 min. Blend until smooth and then add 200 ml Creme Fraiche. Serve with crusty bread.
Eleanor Swain
Wellbeing Officer