Minestrone with Rice & Tomatoes

Minestrone with Rice & Tomatoes
Superfood for Children
Serves 4

1 lb tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, roughly chopped
1 stick celery, roughly chopped
1 quart vegetable stock
1/2 cup long-grain rice
2 Tbsp butter
black pepper
brunch of fresh basil or 2 tsp pesto sauce
2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to garnish

Put the tomatoes, onion, and celery in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cover the pan and cook over a very low heat until the tomatoes are soft and pulpy.

Pour the tomato mixture into a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Return the mixture to the pan, add the stock, and bring to a boil. Add the rice. Cover the pan and cook over a very low heat for about 15 minutes (add 20 minutes if using brown rice), or until the rice is tender.

Stir in the butter, add a little pepper, and either sprinkle with the chopped basil or stir in the pesto. Serve sprinkled with the grated Parmesan cheese.