Minestrone soup

Mmm one of the greats:

serves 2

1 tbs olive oil

1 onion chopped

1 carrot sliced

1 celery stick chopped

salt and pepper

a few thyme sprigs

1 bay leaf

40g bacon

1 tbs tomato puree

1 x 400g tin of borlotti beans

75g cherry tomatoes halved

300-400ml stock

30g spaghetti or noodles broken into small pieces

large handful of basil finely chopped

parmesan for grating

heat olive oil in a pan and add onions, carrots, celery and some seasoning. Stir over a med heat for 6-8 mins until they begin to soften. Add herbs and bacon (can be cooked and added at end) increase heat and cook for 2mins stir in tomato puree and cook for 1 min. Tip in the beans and tomatoes and then ppur in the stock or water to cover. Bring to a gentle simmer and add spaghetti and cook for 10 mins . Season. Serve with basil and parmesan.