Easy minestrone soup

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables have softened.

Add the garlic and chill (and bacon if using) and fry for another minute. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for a further 3 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and stock. Cover with a lid and bring slowly to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

Add the beans and pasta and cook for a further 10 minutes until the pasta is cooked. Add the kale/cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes. Add some hot water if necessary to reach your preferred consistency. Season to taste.