Minestrone

In a large pan fry chopped bacon in a little olive oil for 2 minutes. Then add chopped onions and fry for 2 more minutes. Turn down the heat and add a little more oil before adding 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped sticks of celery, some chopped up cherry tomatoes & chopped garlic. Put a lid on and sweat the veg for 15 minutes, stiring occasionally. Finally add 200g of macaroni, 1pt of chicken or veg stock, 1tbsp of tomato puree, a couple of chopped courgettes, sliced cabbage and sliced basil. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer until all the veg is tender, the pasta is cooked and the soup is as thick as you like it. Serve with crusty bread or warm crostini.