In the biggest pot you have put 3 tablespoons of olive oil and fry onion for 4-5 minutes on medium to high heat then add garlic, herbs and carrot and continue to fry for another two to three minutes.
Add all other ingredients and top the pot up with extra water if needed so that everything is covered with approximately 5cm of water.
Simmer for about 1.5 hours with the lid on, stirring every 20 minutes or so and topping up with extra water if necessary.
If adding chicken, cut into bite size pieces and add to the pot for the last 30 minutes.
