Minestrone - Slow Cooker

Minestrone Soup

Serves 6-8

Ingredients

·         2 carrots, peeled, chopped

·         1 onion

·         1 desiree potato, peeled, chopped

·         1 zucchini

·         3 garlic cloves

·         ½ cup tomato paste

·         1 ½ cups passata (this is the difference maker!!!)

·         500ml chicken stock

·         410g can red kidney beans, rinsed, drained

·         1 tsp dried oregano

·         2 cups cooked small macaroni

·         Salt & freshly ground black pepper

·         Grated parmesan, to serve

Method

1.       Peel and dice the carrots, onion, zucchini and potato

2.       Peel and crush garlic

3.       Place in the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients, except the macaroni and parmesan, mix well.

4.       Place the bacon, carrots, celery, potato and garlic in a large saucepan and stir to combine. Cook over high heat, uncovered, stirring often, for 5 minutes.

5.       Place lid on cooker and cook for 4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low

6.       About 30 mins before the end of the cooking time heat the cooked macaroni and add to the cooker.

7.       Replace the lid and cook for a further 30 mins

8.       Add salt and pepper to taste and serve topped with grated parmesan