Minestrone with meatballs

A note from the chef... “It is a great soup to use up all those bits of vegetables left at the bottom of the fridge that you never know what to do with. In this version of Minestrone, we have used a prepared vegetable pack and tinned chicken meatballs in order to speed up the process. The great thing about this soup is that you really cannot go wrong with it. As long as you stick to the herby, tomato stock base that is the heart of the soup, you can then make it your own by using different vegetables like peas, cabbage, peppers or courgettes (just remember to cut them to bite size pieces). This Minestrone recipe is a great way to make a healthy, filling and delicious meal with minimum fuss.”

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

• 30ml vegetable oil

• 500g vegetable Soup Mix (carrot, swede, white onion, potato)

• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic

• 1 teaspoon mixed herbs

• 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes

• 1.4 litres stock from 2 vegetable pods

• 200g small pasta shapes

• 1 x 380g tin of chicken meatballs

• A handful of fresh basil

• Salt and pepper

1. Add oil, vegetable soup mix, garlic and mixed herbs to a large saucepan. Mix with a spoon.

2. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften but not colour, stirring occasionally.

3. Add tinned tomatoes and stock. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

4. Add the pasta and cook for a further 10 minutes, until the pasta is softish and ready to eat.

5. Take the pan of the heat and add the meatballs. Heat through thoroughly. The soup should be nice and thick but not solid. If necessary, add some water to reach your preferred consistency.

6. Tear up the basil leaves and add to the soup.

7. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Suggestions... Switch out the chicken meatballs for a meat of your choice or even add in some cannellini or butter beans to make it extra filling and nutritious. If you do not have small pasta, just break up spaghetti or any other pasta or alternatively, just make the soup and dip some bread. You can always batch cook the soup, and add the pasta when ready.