Alphabet Pasta Minestrone Soup

2 tbsp veg oil
1 onion finely chopped
1 cup diced carrots
1/2 celery stalk finely chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped leeks, white part only
1/2 cup finely diced zucchini
1/4 potatoes chopped
2 tomatoes, peeled seeded and chopped
7 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 tsp tomato paste
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup alphabet pasta
salt and pepper to taste

1. Heat the oil in a large pan add the onion, and saute for about 5 minutes. Add the carrots, celery, and leeks and continue to saute until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the potatoes and zucchini and saute for an additional 2-3 minutes.

2. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Add the frozen peas, return the soup to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the alphabet pasta, return to a boil, then simmer for about 5 more minutes. Taste and season to your preference.

You can add shredded cabbage to make this even more substantial and this can also be served with bread.