This is a true gardener’s soup to enjoy from
There is no set recipe for minestrones. Follow the general method, and it soon becomes instinctive, and always turns out well.
Garden ingredients: serves 4
500g fresh Borlotti beans or 200g dried and soaked overnight
1 onion, diced
1 stick of celery, diced
2 medium potatoes, washed and diced
2 medium carrots, washed and diced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 large courgette, quartered and sliced
1 large tomato, diced
A handful of baby spinach or Swiss chard, washed and shredded
Fresh herbs e.g. basil, parsley, oregano, sage, thyme
To finish: freshly chopped parsley (optional) extra olive oil
From your kitchen:
1 bay leaf – use fresh if you have a bay tree
Parmesan (optional)
3 tbsp extra virgin organic olive oil
Sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions: ( see pics below)
Cook’s notes:
• Exact quantities are not that important. Aim for a balance of vegetables by volume – best judged by eye – that ‘like’ each other, whose flavours blend together well, and judicious use of seasoning and herbs, so taste the soup as it progresses and adjust to your liking.
• You can substitute Borlotti with
• As Autumn progresses, change the character e.g. with corn on the cob – slice the kernels off with a knife; with cauliflower or other greens such as kale and shredded cabbage.
• Extra tomatoes, a little
• For a meaty version, add some neatly diced organic bacon in step 2.
• Keep it fresh and avoid
• Pesto is
Nutrition and well-being:
Borlotti beans are both deliciously creamy and extremely nutritious, being a valuable source of protein (19%) containing all 9 essential amino acids, and
Garden minestrones are well being in a bowl. They pack a nutrient dense punch, satisfy the body’s hunger, and are rehydrating – important for mood, recharging your metabolism, boosting your immune system and the key to good health. Make them part of your life and enjoy!
Gardening notes:
Fresh Borlotti beans can be picked from late
Tip: If you want to dry the beans for the winter store cupboard, leave them to mature on the plants until the skins are papery: you will know they are ripe because they gradually change in colour from pale to their characteristic mottled burgundy appearance. Pop open the pods and leave the beans to dry on a tray indoors for one to two weeks before storing in a cool, dry place.
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Garden minestrone
Photos: Lee Parish