Minestrone (Italian Vegetable Soup) Recipe

Ingredients for Minestrone (Italian Vegetable Soup):

• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium carrot diced
• 1 medium sized onion chopped
• 2 medium potatoes cubed
• 2-3 ozs swede, diced
• 2 stalks of celery chopped small
• 2 ½  pints vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato purée
• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
• 2 to 3 cloves of garlic crushed
• 2 ozs of small pasta shells
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 oz french Beans
• 3 ozs leeks or cabbage shredded
• 2 ozs peas
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Grated parmesan cheese for garnish

Method for Minestrone (Italian Vegetable Soup):

1. In a large saucepan heat oil and gently fry the onion
2. Add the carrots, potatoes, swede and celery and continue frying gently for a few more minutes
3. Add vegetable stock, tomato purée, mixed herbs, garlic, salt and pepper and the pasta shells
4. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes
5. Gradually add the leeks or cabbage, french beans and peas to retain their colour. Simmer for a further 10 to 15 minutes
6. Serve immediately into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese

Sufficient for 4 to 5 servings. A truly delicious soup. You can double up on the quantities and freeze.