Microwave chickpea minestrone
Microwave minestrone in minutes! This quick, easy and filling soup adds chickpeas for extra protein and flavour.
In November 2023, this recipe was costed at an average of 97p per portion when checking prices at four UK supermarkets. The recipe is designed to be made in conjunction with a low-cost store-cupboard.
Ingredients
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 400g tin chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 100g/3½oz dried spaghetti, broken into small pieces
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1.2 litres/2 pints hot vegetable stock, made from stock cubes
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tbsp finely grated Grana Padano or Parmesan, to serve
Method
Mix the onion, carrot, garlic and oil together in a large microwavable bowl and season with salt and pepper. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes until the onion has softened.
Add the chickpeas, spaghetti, tomato purée, herbs and stock. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is tender.
Ladle into serving bowls and top with the cheese and a good grinding of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
This recipe was tested using a 800W microwave oven. If your oven has more or fewer watts, you will need to adjust the cooking time.