Ham, Vegetable And Orzo Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 None large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian dried herbs
2 None carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 1/2 cups tomato puree
4 cups chicken stock
1 (13.5 oz) can mixed beans, drained, rinsed
1 None ham hock
3.5 oz orzo pasta
None None grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
None None crusty bread, to serve

Preparation

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion, garlic and mixed herbs, stirring occasionally, for 10 mins, or until onions are tender. Increase heat to high, add carrot and celery and cook for 4-5 mins, or until mixture begins to brown. Add tomato puree, stock, beans and ham hock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 mins.
Remove ham hock. Shred meat and return to soup. Discard skin, bone and fat.
Add pasta and cook for 15 mins. Season to taste. Top with grated parmesan and serve with crusty bread.