We're really interested in cooking and love being in the kitchen trying out new things.

We thought we'd ask Alison from Slimming World Navan to recommend a dish for us to try. As you'll obviously realise the dishes that she creates are both nutritious and form part of a lifestyle aimed at staying slim.

Prep time: 40 minutes

Ingredients: Serves 4 Portions

For the pesto

• 4 tbsp fat free natural fromage frais
• 2 level tbsp of freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• Small bunch of basil, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper

For the soup

• 110g unsmoked back bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 chopped clove of garlic
• 1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 300mls vegetable stock
• 1 red pepper, cut into small pieces
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 x 400g cans of chopped tomatoes

Method

1. Mix all the pesto ingredients together, season to taste. Cover and chill.
2. Place the bacon and onion into a saucepan, heat gently. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the carrot and celery then pour over half of the stock. Bring to the boil, cover, then simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add the red pepper, oregano, tomatoes and remaining stock. Bring back to the boil, simmer for 15 minutes until thick and tender.
4. Serve the soup with a spoonful of pesto.