This minestrone, which is perfect for a first course or main dish, is from my new book, The Italian Vegetable Cookbook. Though there are many versions of minestrone, I liked the fact that this one contains sage and fennel, which gives it a lot of flavor.  Serve it hot or at room temperature with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

Serves 6

1 large onion, chopped 

1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped

1 celery rib, chopped 

1 small fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped 

1 garlic clove, finely chopped 

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage or 1 teaspoon crumbled dried sage 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

3 tablespoons olive oil 

2 tablespoons tomato paste 

2 cups cooked or canned chickpeas, drained 

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth 

3 cups water n Salt and pepper to taste 

4 ounces broken spaghetti, or a small pasta such as tubetti or small shells

Freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano

In a large pot, cook the onion, carrot, celery, fennel, garlic and sage in the olive oil, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and golden, about 10 minutes.
 

Stir in the tomato paste and cook 2 minutes more. Add the chickpeas, broth and water.  Bring to a simmer and cook 1 hour, or until the vegetables are very tender.  Mash some of the chickpeas with the back of a spoon to thicken the soup. 
 

When the soup is almost ready, add the pasta and stir well.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.  If the soup is too thick, stir in a little warm water. Taste for seasoning.  Serve hot with freshly grated cheese.