Minestrone

Minestrone
Superfoods for Children
Serves 6

1 Tbsp olive oil
3 strips of bacon, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1 quart hot chicken or vegetable stock
2 carrots, finely diced
1 small turnip, finely diced
2 small zucchini thinly sliced
1 stick celery sliced
2 potatoes diced
14oz canned cannellini beans drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
salt and black pepper
freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the bacon and fry until it just begins to become translucent. Remove from the pan and set aside. Add the garlic and onion to the pan and fry gently until soft. Return the bacon to the pan with the tomatoes.

Pour in the hot stock, stir, then add the carrots, turnip, zucchini celery, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, cover the pan, lower the heat, and simmer very gently for about 40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add the drained beans and frozen peas and heat through. Add the parsley and seasoning to taste. Serve the soup in warmed bowls with the Parmesan served separately, to be added according to taste. Serve with crusty bread.