Classic Minestrone

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 large leek, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup green beans, halved
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 1/4 cups vegetable stock or 6 1/4 cups water
• 1 (14 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 (14 ounce) can cannellini beans or 1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans
• 2 ounces macaroni
• salt and pepper
• finely grated parmesan cheese (to garnish)
• fresh parsley (to garnish)

Recipe

• 1 place the first 6 ingredients into a large saucepan and heat until sizzling, then cover, lower the heat and sweat the veggies for 15 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally.
• 2 add the stock or water, tomatoes, herbs and seasoning.
• 3 bring to a boil, replace the lid and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.
• 4 add the canned beans and their liquid together with the pasta and simmer for 10 minutes more.
• 5 check the seasonings and serve hot, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and parsley, if using.