Budget Italian vegetable soup

Dice the onion by removing the outer skins and chop into small pieces. Place in a small bowl for later.

If using fresh garlic, remove the outer skin and chop cloves into very small pieces. Add to bowl with the onion.

If using fresh vegetables, chop the mixed vegetables up into bite sized pieces. Set aside in a bowl.

Heat oil in a large saucepan. Wait until the oil sizzles a little then add onion and garlic, stirring with a wooden spoon for 3 minutes or until onion is soft and starting to change colour.

Add mixed vegetables, canned tomatoes and dried Italian herbs and cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.

Add vegetable stock and water and bring to a boil by increasing the heat. Once boiling add pasta and cook for 5 minutes.

Drain the cannellini beans using a colander and rinse with water. Add cannellini beans. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes, or until the pasta is soft and cooked through.

Distribute soup between bowls and sprinkle with pepper.