Classic Minestrone Soup

This classic minestrone soup is packed with colourful vegetables and pasta, making it a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 brown onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tbsp chilli sauce
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 400 g can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 3 cups water
• 75 g pasta, such as shells or elbows
• 100 g green beans, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Cook the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook for approximately 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
2. Build the soup: Add the garlic, chilli sauce and sweet potato and cook for a further 1 minute. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, stock and water, then bring to the boil.
3. Add the pasta: Add the pasta and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Add the green beans and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender.
4. Serve: Season with black pepper to taste and finish with fresh parsley.