Hearty Minestrone

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the onion, carrot and celery with a pinch of salt for 8–10 minutes until soft.
2. Add the garlic, courgette and dried herbs and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add the chopped tomatoes, stock and bay leaf.
4. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes so the vegetables become tender and the flavours meld.
5. Add the beans and pasta and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is just cooked.
6. Stir in the kale and cook for 2 minutes until wilted, then remove the bay leaf and season well with salt and pepper.
7. Serve with a drizzle of good olive oil and a spoonful of vegan pesto or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan.