Minestrone

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium fennel bulb, chopped coarsely
• 1 large onion, chopped coarsely
• 2 trimmed sticks celery, chopped coarsely
• 1 medium carrot , chopped coarsely
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 5 cups water
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 100g dried spelt pasta
• 1 can (400g) four bean mix, rinsed, drained
• 3 cups kale, trimmed, chopped coarsely
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Preparation

1. heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. cook fennel, onion, celery and carrot, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes or until onion is soft.
2. add garlic and thyme to pan; cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. add the water, tomatoes and pasta; bring to the boil. reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. remove thyme sprigs.
3. add beans and kale; simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes or until the kale is just wilted. season with pepper. top with cheese and thyme leaves to serve.