HEARTY BEAN AND PASTA SOUP

Preparation Method :

• Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan.
• Add the onion, celery and carrot and cook over a medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
• Add the bay leaf, stock and chopped tomatoes, then bring to the boil.
• Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender.
• Add the pasta and beans, then bring the soup back to the boil and cook for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender.
• Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta sticking to the base of the pan and burning.
• Season to taste, add the spinach and cook for a further 2 minutes, or until tender.
• Serve, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.