Minestrone Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks medium celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 tbsps parsley, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 cup tomato paste
• 2 cups chopped cabbage
• 2 cubes chicken stock
• 2 cubes beef stock
• 12 cups water
• 2 tsps white sugar
• 1/4 cup rice
• 1 cup brown lentils
• 1 dash salt
• 1 dash pepper
• 1 cup small shells pasta
• 2 cups kidney beans

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onion, celery, garlic, parsley and carrots, until limp. Add tomato paste and cabbage. Stir to combine.
2. Add stock powder, water, sugar, rice, pasta, beans and lentils. Stir well and bring to the boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Great served with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese!