One-Pot Italian Minestrone Soup Recipe

+ 2 tbsp olive oil
+ 4 slices bacon, thinly sliced
+ 2 garlic cloves, minced
+ 1 onion, diced
+ 2 carrots, diced
+ 2 sticks of celery, thinly sliced
+ 1 zucchini, roughly chopped
+ 1 leek, thinly sliced
+ 1-2 tsp dried oregano
+ 2 bay leaves
+ 2 potatoes, roughly chopped
+ 1 cup white beans, cooked (learn here how to soak and cook beans and legumes)
+ 1 cup whole peeled canned tomatoes, diced
+ 6 cups homemade vegetable stock
+ 1 cup fusilli or penne pasta
+ sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
+ fresh thyme, for serving

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the bacon and fry gently for about 2 minutes. Then add the garlic, onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, leek, oregano, and bay and cook slowly for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the potatoes, beans, and tomatoes to the pan, then pour in the vegetable stock. Stir well, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes.

Add the pasta, and cook for 10 more minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper.

Serve in bowls topped with fresh thyme and additional olive oil, if desired. Enjoy!