Ingredients

• 1 onion
• 1 leek
• 2 celery sticks
• 175 g carrots (or just whatever you have)
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1.5 litres of stock
• 1 can of tomatoes
• 175 g cabbage (or just whatever you have)
• 55 g brown rice or pasta
• 1 tspn of mixed herbs, oregano or whatever you have
• A bit of tomato puree
• Black pepper for taste
• Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
• Optional: 50 g lean bacon, chopped

Stove or oven method:

Chop the vegetables finely.

If using bacon, then fry that first until crispy. Then add a drop of olive oil, before the onion, leek, celery and carrots and lastly the garlic.

Stir well, and cook over a low heat for 5 minutes or until vegetables are soft but not browned.

Add the stock, bring to a boil and then add the tomatoes, cabbage, herbs and rice or pasta.

Bring back to a boil, cover again and simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Stir in the tomato puree and season with black pepper.

Add some grated parmesan cheese on top and serve hot. It is also great with baguettes or crusty bread.

Tips:

For vegetarians, leave out the bacon and replace with some canned beans.

Minestrone is a deliciously warming soup that can be eaten as a meal in one. Make this recipe for the whole family to enjoy!​​​