A recipe for Minestrone soup- good in any situation …

I am in the process of moving house and despite my inner zen, my stress levels are rising.  I have been determined to enjoy the whole process but when things systematically go wrong, its hard to stay calm!

In any stressful situation, I find that soup is my antidote of choice.  No matter what is wrong, I always find it soothing!

This minestrone soup is a firm favourite.  Its hearty enough to be really satisfying and the addition of chick peas is the real jewel in the crown.

Happily, there was plenty to share with the removal men and it certainly seemed to help their moods too!

If you want to try it you will need:

1 onion (chopped)

2 slices bacon (chopped)

2 leeks (finely sliced)

2 carrots (grated)

40z cooked pasta (spirals work well)

1 pint stock

tin of tomatoes

1 tbsp. tomato puree

1 tin of tomatoes

I tin of chick peas

1 tsp basil

1 tsp oregano

ground black pepper

Instructions

Fry the chopped onion, chopped bacon and leeks

Add the stock, grated carrots, tomatoes, chick peas, tomato puree, basil, oregano and pepper

Simmer for around 40 minutes or cook for around 6 hours in a slow cooker