Homemade Minestrone

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 400g canned diced tomatoes
• 1 litre vegetable broth
• 400g canned cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 100g small pasta (e.g., macaroni or ditalini)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced carrot, celery, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for another 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to slightly soften.
3. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. While the soup simmers, cook the small pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Stir in the canned cannellini beans and cooked pasta into the soup. Let it simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes until all the ingredients are heated through.
6. Season the Homemade Minestrone with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. To serve, ladle the hearty soup into bowls, and if desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious and wholesome Homemade Minestrone, a classic Italian soup filled with an array of colourful vegetables and flavours!