Traditional Italian minestrone soup is a nutritious and healthy start to any meal.
- Place the Italian soup bean mix in a large bowl, cover with cold water and leave to soak overnight.
- The next day, drain the beans and rinse well. Place the oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrot and pancetta, then cook for 10 minutes, stirring, until the vegetables have softened. Add tomato paste and stir for a further minute. Add drained beans, canned tomatoes, stock and bay leaves. Increase heat to high and bring to the boil, then partially cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent catching, until the beans are tender.
- Add the peas, cabbage and pasta, then cook, uncovered, for a further 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the peas and cabbage are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper (adding salt earlier can make the beans tough). Ladle the minestrone into bowls, then swirl through some pesto and serve topped with shaved parmesan.
You may need it
Mixing Bowl Set
Food Storage Container Set
Kitchen Utensil Set