Soup for summer? Allow us to convert you with this light and herby recipe that's easy and elegant

This fennel and bean soup has got to be one of the most delicate, fragrant soup recipes, but it also packs in lots of flavor and makes a light starter for an al fresco supper menu.

The gentle sweetness of fennel, paired with creamy cannellini beans and soft herbs, creates a beautifully balanced bowl. If you get the chance, grill the toasts on a fire, but if using a toaster or oven grill, just let the bread char a bit more than you would usually, for equally great results.

Serve it up by the fireside as part of an al fresco aperitivo menu. With a soup this comforting yet refined, every season becomes soup season.

Ingredients

• Serves 6
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to drizzle
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 3 medium fennel bulbs, cut into wedges, fronds reserved
• 1⁄2 tsp crushed chillies
• 6¼ cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 2 x 15 oz cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 6 tbsp ricotta grated zest of 1⁄2 lemon
• 4 dill sprigs, torn
• Sourdough toasts, to serve

The Homes & Gardens method

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, fennel and a pinch of the crushed chillies, season, stir to combine and cook with the lid on for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the stock and beans.
4. Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until fennel and onion are very tender.
5. Taste for seasoning.
6. Just before serving, add the dill and reserved fennel fronds to pan, keeping a little of each for garnish.
7. Spoon into bowls and top with ricotta, a grating of lemon zest, a scattering of chilli, fennel fronds and dill and a drizzle of olive oil. serve with sourdough toasts.

A well-charred slice of bread brings smoky depth charm to this delicate soup. Whether you're using a barbecue, fire pit, or stovetop griddle, a quality grill is a simple investment that elevates even the most effortless meals, making it a must for relaxed, fireside dining. Martha Stewart's Wayfair soup bowls are the prettiest selection we've seen.