• · 1 can dried Cannelini
  • · 5 strips of bacon, cut into squares
  • · 10 cups of chicken stock
  • · 1 Onion, chopped
  • · 1 Celery, chopped
  • · 1 Carrot, chopped
  • · 1 Leeks, chopped
  • · 4 cloves garlic
  • · Olive oil
  • · 1 potato, diced
  • · 1 zucchini, diced
  • · 2 canned crushed tomatoes
  • · Salt
  • · Pepper
  • · Parmesan for garnish
  • · Pesto (for garnish, optional)
  • · Spaghetti noodles, cooked as per maker’s instructions



An Italian classic, this soup can already be a complete meal. It has protein (beans), vegetables, and starch (pasta noodles) as well. Try serving a steamy bowl of Minestrone soup to your family on a rainy day and you’re sure to enjoy your hearty meal.

Method:

1.    Soak beans overnight in cold water.

2.    Heat up pot. Add bacon and render fat.

3.    Sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent.

4.    Add the celery, carrots, leeks and sweat.

5.    Add the diced potatoes and zucchini and continue sautéing.

6.    Put the drained previously soaked beans into the pot.

7.    Add the canned tomatoes and smother for a while.

8.    Pour in the chicken stock and bring the soup to a boil. Simmer for about 30 minutes or until the beans are cooked already.

9.    Put in the spaghetti noodles.

10. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

11. Sprinkle grated parmesan just before serving.