Minestrone Soup

Step 1

Heat oil over high heat in a very large pot.

Step 2

Add bacon, cook until starting to turn golden (~2 min) then add garlic and onion.

Step 3

Cook until onion is translucent and bacon is light golden ~ 2minutes.

Step 4

Add carrot, celery and zucchini. Stir for 1 minute to coat in flavour.

Step 5

Add crushed tomato, chicken stock, water, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, kidney beans, salt and pepper.

Step 6

Stir, bring to simmer, then place lid on and adjust heat so it's simmering gently.

Step 7

Simmer 20 minutes, then add potato and beans.

Step 8

Simmer 5 minutes, then add pasta. Cook for time per pasta packet MINUS 1 1/2 minutes.

Step 9

Remove from stove, stir through parmesan and baby spinach. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.

Step 10

Serve, garnished with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley if desired. Warm crusty bread on the side would certainly be the cherry on top!