Minestrone Soup

Ingredients:

• 250g haricot beans.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil.

• 2 onions, peeled & chopped.

• 3 cloves of garlic, crushed.

• 2 rashers of bacon, chopped.

• 4 tomatoes, peeled & chopped.

• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley.

• 9 cups of beef stock.

• 1/4 cup of red wine.

• 1 carrot, chopped.

• 1 turnip, chopped.

• 2 potatoes, chopped.

• 1 stick of celery, chopped.

• 1 zucchini, sliced.

• 1/2 cup of green beans.

• 1/2 cup macaroni elbows.

• 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese.

• 1/4 cup of tomato paste.

• Shaved parmesan, to serve.

• Salt & pepper to taste.

Method:

• Soak the haricot beans overnight in water & drain. Add to pan of boiling water & simmer for 15 minutes. Drain.

• Heat oil in pan & add onion, garlic & bacon. Cook, stirring until onion is translucent & bacon is crisp.

• Add tomato, parsley, haricot beans, stock & wine. Simmer, covered over a low heat for 2 hours.

• Add carrot, turnip, potato, celery & tomato paste. Simmer, covered for a further 15-20 minutes.

• Just before serving, add zucchini, green beans, macaroni & cheese. Simmer, covered 10-15 minutes until the vegetables & pasta are tender.

• Season with salt & pepper.

• Top with shaved parmesan & serve with crusty bread.