Veggie Loaded Kale & Risoni Soup

In a large pot or saucepan, heat a good drizzle of olive oil over a medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until tender, 5-6 minutes. Add the rosemary and 1/2 the garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.

Add the chopped tomatoes, water, risoni, a pinch of chilli flakes (if using) and crumble in the vegetable stock cubes. Stir to combine, then bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the soup has thickened and the risoni is tender, 10 minutes.

While the soup is simmering, cut slices into the ciabatta, 2cm apart, cutting almost to the base but not the whole way through. In a small bowl, place 1/2 the butter and the remaining garlic and mash together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the garlic butter onto each slice of ciabatta, then bake the ciabatta directly on the wire rack of the oven until warmed through, 5-10 minutes.

Stir the chopped kale through the soup until wilted, 2 minutes. Stir through the remaining butter, the sugar and tear in the basil leaves (reserve some for garnish). Season to taste with salt and pepper.