Classic Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe

Minestrone soup is always a popular choice for those colder days and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner - it's pretty versatile! Perhaps if you're feeling pretty under the weather, this soup will give you that boost of energy that you need before facing the day and will be sure to keep your tummy warm and full. The mixture of pasta and vegetables makes for a great texture if you fancy something different to a more smooth soup.

For our other soup recipes check out oursoup sectionfor lots of other ideas!

HOW TO MAKE CLASSIC ITALIAN MINESTRONE SOUP

Ingredients

• 4tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, scrubbed and finely chopped
• 1 courgette, finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 225g (8oz) dried pasta twists
• 410g can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• large rosemary sprig, chopped
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 1 litre (1¾pt) vegetable stock

to serve

• 6tsp fresh pesto
• 6 rosemary sprigs
• crusty Italian bread

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan, add all the vegetables and cook gently for about 10 minutes without colouring, stirring frequently.

2. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to packet instructions and add to the vegetables followed by all the other ingredients. Mix well, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.

3. Season and serve in warm soup bowls, garnished with a dollop of pesto and a sprig of rosemary, along with lots of chunky Italian bread to dip.