SPEEDY LUNCHES

Simple and delicious meals which are ready to serve in 15 mins or less

- JESSICA RANSOM

Cheat’s minestrone

SERVES 2 Transform soup into a proper hearty meal. This is also an easy take-to-work lunch.

YOU WILL NEED

140g cubed pancetta

1 carrot, coarsely grated

1 courgette, grated (or finely chopped)

2 bay leaves

680g jar tomato and basil passata

300ml hot vegetable stock

100g quick-cook macaroni, or other small pasta shapes Few sprigs fresh basil, leaves only, torn Parmesan shavings, to serve

HOW TO DO IT

1 In a large saucepan, cook the pancetta over a medium heat for 2 mins until it releases some oil. Add the carrot, courgette, and bay leaves and cook for a further min.

2 Pour in the passata and stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 mins.

3 Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pan according to the packet instructions. Drain the pasta well then add to the passata pan and cook for a further minute. Stir in the basil just before serving. Top with Parmesan and serve with warmed ciabatta.