Hearty Vegetable Minestrone

About this recipe

Minestrone is a flexible, budget-friendly soup that uses up whatever vegetables you have. This version has carrot, celery, zucchini and cannellini beans in a tomato broth, with small pasta to make it filling. Finish with parmesan and crusty bread.

Method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion, carrot and celery for 8 minutes until softened.

   8 min

2. 2

   Step 2

   Add the garlic and zucchini and cook for 2 minutes.

   2 min

3. 3

   Step 3

   Add the tomatoes and stock. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.

   15 min

4. 4

   Step 4

   Add the beans and pasta and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is tender.

   9 min

5. 5

   Step 5

   Stir in the spinach and season to taste. Serve topped with parmesan.

   Tip: Parmesan is traditionally made with animal rennet, so use a vegetarian hard cheese if needed.