FRENCH ONION MINESTRONE SOUP

SERVES 4

PREP AND COOK: 35 MINS

1 tblsp olive oil

200g shortcut bacon rashers, chopped 400g can chopped tomatoes

2 x 40g sachets French onion soup mix 2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into 2cm

pieces

1 large brushed potato (275g), peeled, cut

into 1cm pieces

400g can cannellini beans, drained, rinsed 2 zucchini, trimmed, halved lengthways,

cut into 1cm slices

120g bag baby spinach leaves

Packaged croutons, to serve

1 Heat oil in a large saucepan over a high heat. Add bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

2 Add tomatoes, soup mix, carrots and potato. Cook, stirring for 30 seconds. Add 1½ litres (6 cups) water. Bring to the boil. Gently boil for about 20 minutes, or until potato is tender.

3 Stir in beans and zucchini. Return to the boil. Gently boil for a further 5 minutes, or until zucchini is tender. Stir in spinach. Remove from heat. Season with pepper.

4 Serve topped with croutons.