Minestrone Soup

Its getting cooler here in Sydney which means lots of things, but one of my favourites is soup. They are easy to make, cheap and comforting and can easily be made relatively low fat.

My Mum always made Minestrone and to be honest, I don't think I've tasted anyone else's other than Mums or mine, so who even knows if its a traditional Minestrone.

The best thing is you just put in whatever you've got available.

On Sunday this is what I came up with.

1 onion, chopped

1 carrot, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

3 crushed garlic cloves

1 potato, peeled and diced

3 bacon rashers, diced

1 tin of chopped tomatoes

3 tbs tomato paste

chicken stock

3 handfuls of risoni

1 tsp oregano

2 tbs chopped parsley

1 can cannellini beans

1/2 tsp rosemary

olive oil

salt & pepper

grated parmesan to serve

Fry the bacon in a large pan for a few minutes, add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic and potato for a few more minutes.

Add the tinned tomatoes, tomato paste, stock (or stock cubes + water), oregano, rosemary and salt and pepper and bring to the boil. Once hot, turn the heat down to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add the risoni, drained and rinsed beans and parsley and cook for a further 10-15 minutes.

Serve with parmesan and parsley on top.

S