Bacon, Haricot Bean, Tomato and Rosemary Stew

Pat O’Neill from Enniscorthy in Co Wexford produces hand-crafted, dry-cured, tender, well-flavoured bacon and ham, low in salt, with no phosphates and no added water — just pure tasty bacon.

Serves 8

3lbs (1.3kg) bacon — loin or streaky 14oz (400g) dried haricot beans (or 2 x 14oz (400g) cans of haricot beansBouquet garni — a little bunch of parsley stalks, a sprig of thyme and a small bay leaf2 onions 2 carrots 6 tablespoons olive oil 12 ozs (350g) chopped onion 8 large cloves garlic, crushed 2 x 14 oz (2 x 400g) tin tomatoes 4 tablespoons chopped rosemary Salt, freshly ground pepper and sugar