Veg And Grains Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra to serve (optional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 leek, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 salad tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 100g quick-cook seven grains
• 600ml vegetable stock
• 100g spinach
• whole wheat crusty bread, to serve (optional)

Preparation

1. heat the oil in a large, lidded saucepan set over a medium heat. add the onion, carrot and leek and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 mins or until softened and coloured slightly. mix in the garlic.
2. stir in the tomatoes, oregano and grains; pour over the stock. stir well and bring to the boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. simmer for 15-20 mins until the grains are cooked through.
3. increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to the boil. add the spinach and cook for 5-6 mins until wilted. using a hand blender, blitz briefly to a chunky consistency. drizzle with a swirl of olive oil and serve with crusty bread.