Yum : Larni’s Minestrone Soup

My delivery from Hill Street Grocers arrived with all these amazing vegetables and so I have just made a big pot of my favourite soup!

This recipe is an old family favourite – I have just added a few of my touches to it.  Mmmm … beautiful served on a cool autumn day, with crusty bread and lots of butter whilst wearing your Ugg boots!

Minestrone Soup

• 1 pkt McKenzie’s Italian Style Soup Mix (soaked overnight)
• 2 onions
• 2 – 3 cloves garlic
• 4 – 5 rashers of bacon – diced
• 3 – 4 sticks of celery – sliced
• 2 – 3 carrots – diced
• 1 swede – diced
• 4 potatoes – diced
• Half butternut pumpkin – diced
• Brussel sprouts
• 2 x 400g tins of tomatoes
• 80 g dried pasta
• Chicken stock – 4 cups +
• Pepper & Salt
• Italian parsley

Method

• Soak Italian Style Soup mix in a large pot of water overnight.  Drain and rinse
• Heat oil and butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan over high heat. Add onion, garlic, and bacon and cook, stirring occasionally
• Add other vegetables and sweat slowly on a low heat, with lid ajar for 15 – 20 minutes
• Add tomatoes and simmer for another 15 minutes
• Now add the Soup Mix, pasta and stock until all vegetables are covered and cook on low for about 20 – 30 minutes.
• Check seasoning and serve with Italian parsley and some toasty bread with butter.