1 carrot, peeled and cut in half
1 stick celery, cut in half
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
1 small fennel bulb, cut in half
fennel tops, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 leek, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
sprig rosemary
1 shallot, peeled and cut in half
200g/7oz dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
100ml/3Β½fl oz strong chicken stock
2 bay leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper
30g/1oz soft lard, or the dripping from a roast pork dish
100²µ/3Β½΄Η³ϊ Parmesan cheese
1 slice stale sourdough bread, cut into cubes