CLASSIC MINESTRONE SOUP

Classic minestrone soup image

Whip up this classic Italian vegetable soup with a rich tomato base and pasta. It's low in calories and packed with fibre and vitamin C

Provided by Esther Clark

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra to serve
1 onion, finely chopped
1 celery stick, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 courgette, finely chopped
70g diced smoked pancetta
1 large garlic clove, crushed
½ tsp dried oregano
1 x 400g can cannellini beans
1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
1.2 litre vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
70g small pasta
100g greens - kale, chard or cavolo nero work well
handful of basil
finely grated parmesan, to serve

Steps:

Heat the oil in a large saucepan or casserole pot over a low-medium heat and gently fry the onion, celery, carrot, courgette and pancetta for 10 mins. Add the garlic and oregano, and cook for 1 min. Tip in the beans, chopped tomatoes, purée, stock and bay leaf. Season to taste. Bring to the simmer and cook for 30 mins.
Add the pasta and greens, and cook for a further 10 mins. Ladle into bowls and scatter with the basil and some parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 225 calories, Fat 10 grams fat, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 22 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 9 grams protein, Sodium 0.98 milligram of sodium