Cozy Minestrone...

Otherwise known as 'miracle soup' named so because it is so yummy and very healthy (skip the pasta and bread if going for the healthy.) Smells delicious as it's cooking too!

Ingredients:

1 can organic black beans

1 can organic chickpeas

2 cans tomato paste

2 cubes of chicken or veggie stock

4 stalks celery

1 red pepper

about 8 button mushrooms

1/2 Spanish onion

1 large zucchini

big pinch salt and pepper

red pepper flakes

olive oil

bow tie pasta (optional)

This makes a large pot full. You can really use whatever hearty seasonal veggies you have on hand but I found the above to be a really good mixture. The trick is to brown all of the veggies before adding to the soup. Start by chopping all veggies up and brown each in a frying pan with a drizzle of oil, I do all veggies separate as it works better if they're not crowded, once browned throw in to your soup pot. Once all veggies have been added open, drain and rinse your black beans and your chickpeas, add to the pot. Now add your stock cubes, tins of tomato paste and dry pasta (if adding) fill up with water and bring to the boil. Stir, add a big pinch of salt and pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer covered for about an hour and taste, adding salt and pepper if desired. Serve with a chunk of soft sour dough and you'll have your cozy minestrone.