Meat-free, Microwave, Minestrone, Monday

This hearty, fresh version of the popular Italian soup is packed with vegetables, beans and flavour...and takes a mere 10 minutes in the microwave! Perfect for a Monday night after a long day at the office!!!

Ingredients (serves 4)

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 carrots, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 red pepper, sliced

226g green beans, stem ends trimmed, roughly sliced into pieces

3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/3 cup couscous

428ml chicken stock

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Salt

Flat leaf parsley and shaved Parmesan (optional garnish)

Directions

In a microwave-safe dish, place oil, carrots, peppers, green beans and garlic and stir to coat. Cover and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Add couscous, broth, tomato paste, beans, 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover, microwave on high until vegetables and couscous are tender, 5 minutes. If desired, stir in parsley and garnish with cheese. Enjoy!