Heat 2 tbsp of oil and sweat the onions for 5 minutes until the begin to soften, and then add the carrots, celery and garlic and sweat for a further 10 minutes until all the vegetables are soft but not browned.
Add the potatoes, zucchini and the tomato and stir for 1 minute to combine with the soffitto
Add the chicken stock and bring to the boil.
Add the peas and the herbs, then simmer gently for 1 hour.
Remove the thyme stalks (the leaves will have disappeared into the soup) and then blend the soup (if desired).
Serve into bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Serve with crusty bread.