Minestrone Soup

In most parts of the world the weather is getting cold and that is always linked to increase in appetite and craving! It's a very tricky part of the year where one ends up eating more than usual but doesn't realize the after effects under thick layers of clothing. The problem comes when the temperature starts to rise and the clothing starts getting thinner. 

This year, we pledged that we would not give in to our cravings and maintain a healthy diet throughout. Not that we haven't thought of it before, but this year, our resolve is strong - or at least it is till now :)

So we have decided to eat a lot more soups and stir fries since other healthy dishes like salads don't go very well in these cold nights. Presenting the first of those attempts - a complete meal on a cold winter night - Hearty Italian soup - Minestrone
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Ingredients

1 tsp Olive oil
2 cloves of Garlic - chopped
1 medium size red onion - chopped
3 medium plum tomatoes - chopped
2 tbsp Tomato puree
2 carrots - diced
3 spring onions - chopped
1 potato - peeled and diced
1/2 cup boiled kidney beans 
1/2 cup boiled chick peas
1/2 cup boiled pasta 
Vegetable stock - 3 cups or 1 cube in 3 cups water
2 Bay leaves
Oregano to taste
Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

1. In a pan, heat oil and saute garlic and add onions

2. Add bay leaves to the pan

3. Add carrots, potato, tomatoes, tomato purée and vegetable stock. Let it cook for 5 mins on high

4. Add kidney beans, chick peas and spring onion and cover the pot and let it cook on slow for 15 mins

5. Adjust amount of water depending on consistency you need and salt as per taste

6. Add pasta, black pepper and oregano

Serve piping hot.