In the world kitchen!

Ciao fellow foodies,
Italian cuisine is known for its regional diversity and abundance of varying tastes. When we think Italian; pasta and pizza automatically come to mind. You can get a variety of pastas with a rich tomato based sauce. The traditional pizza contrasts greatly with that of dominos and pizza hut. The base is usually thin and is topped with a rich tomato based sauce, cheese and herbs. Peppers, olives, loads of garlic, cheese, eggplants and zucchini all play a principal role in any Italian Mamma's signature dish. Of course not forgetting the fundamental experience of Italy; espresso, cheese and vino!

With the winter months fast approaching, soups are the way to warm the cockles. Here is a tasty, quick and easy version of minestrone.

Minestrone
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Ingredients:

1 diced onion,                                      1 bay leaf
75g diced bacon                                   1 sprig of rosemary
2 sticks chopped celery                         1 zucchini
1 diced green capsicum                         1/4 cup risoni
400g tin of chopped tomatoes                1 cups vegetable stock

2 cups water                                        400g tin red kidney beans                                               1/2 cup shredded cabbage                     grated parmesan and parsley to garnish.

Method:

Heat a dash of oil in a saucepan and saute the onion, bacon, celery and capsicum for 5 minutes. Pour stock and chopped tomatoes into pan. Stir and bring to boil. Add risoni then simmer for 5 minutes. Add drained Kidney beans, zucchini and cabbage then continue cooking until risoni is cooked. Season with parmesan and parsley and serve with crusty bread.