Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

This is my version of the Italian classic. We have all had nasty coughs and generally feeling unwell, as has every second person I speak to. Its that time of year when we have constant dust storms, the weather is warm ( mid 30s ) and the air-conditioners are going most of the day, not the healthiest environment. So we all need something healthy!!!!!!!

Ingredients

4 rashes bacon finely chopped
1 large onion finely chopped
3 cloves garlic crushed
2 celery stalks chopped
2 carrots chopped
2 sage leaves chopped
1 tb tomato paste
400g tin tomatoes
2 1/2 litres beef stock
400g tin butter beans
1 zucchini chopped
1/4 cabbage shredded
150g small pasta
6 basil leaves chopped
Parmesan cheese and pesto to serve

Method

Fry the onion, garlic, bacon and sage for 10 minutes.
Add the carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the tomato paste and the tinned tomatoes.
Add the stock and basil leaves and simmer for 1 hour.
Add the zucchini, butter beans, cabbage and pasta, cook until the paste is al dente.
To serve ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and a dollop of pesto.


Feel free to add other vegetables such as beansor peas. Serve with crunchy bread.