Classic Minestrone

Serves 4

1 large leek thinly sliced
2 carrots chopped
1 zucchini thinly sliced
4oz whole green beanes halved
2 stalks celeryt thinly sliced
3 tbsp olive oil
6 1/4 cups stock or water
1 14oz can chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp fresh basil chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves chopped or
1/2 tsp dried thyme
salt and ground black pepper
1 14oz can cannellini or kidney beans
1/3 cup small pasta shapes such as tubettie or mac
Fresh paramesan cheese finely grated to garnish

1. Put all the fresh vegetables into a large saucepan with the
olive oil. Heat until sizzling then cover, lower heat and
sweat the vegetables for 15 minutes, shaking the pan
occasionally.
2. Add the stock or water, tomatoes, herbs and seasoning.
Bring to a boil, replace the lid and simmer gently for about
30 minutes.
3. Add the beans and their liquid together with the pasta and
simmer for a further 10 minutes. Check the seasoning and
server hot sprinkled with the parmesan cheese and parsley.