Minestrone Soup

For my lunch today I made Minestrone soup, which is one of my favourite varieties. I love the tomatoey (yes that is a word) juice with the chunky vegetables and the hint of the smoked bacon.

Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

3 sticks celery

1 large onion

2 carrots

4 cloves garlic

2-3 tablespoons tomato puree

2-3 tins chopped tomatoes (depends how runny/thick you want your soup)

1 can cannellini beans

1/2 bag spinach

4 large cabbage leaves

2L stock cube (vegetable or chicken)

5-6 rashers smoked bacon

2-3 handfuls of pasta

Fennel Seeds, Chili flakes, smoked paprika (or whatever you like really)

 Fresh basil & coriander.

Cut bacon into strips, and saute in a frying pan with the onions until browned. Chop the celery and carrots into small chunks and add to the pan along with the minced garlic. You can now add your desired herbs and spices etc. Cook until slightly softened. Then add the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree and stock. Bring to boil for ten Min's. Now add the pasta, cabbage and cannellini beans and simmer for 20 minutes. Before serving add the spinach and season to taste.

Serve with warm crusty bread, chopped basil and coriander, and a shaving of Parmesan.

 Perfect for a cold night in, and made better if worn in a one-sie, or is that just me?!