Winter's Coming Minestrone

Broth:

The base for your broth should consist of 5-6 cups of water combined with a couple veg or chicken stock cubes, one can of good quality tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) blitzed or pureed, and a few aromatics. I like to use bay leaves, shallots, garlic cloves and some chillies for a bit of heat. (You can leave the garlic and chilies whole and fish them out later, or chop up very finely)

Veggies:

Now is the time to clear the fridge! The best veggies for this soup are: carrots, parsnips, celery, onions, bell pepper, broccoli or cauliflower stalks and kale. You can keep your veggies nice and chunky or cut them up into smaller pieces.

Pulses and grains:

Suggestions: Wild & brown rice, small pasta noodles, various lentils, cannellini beans, kidney beans, chickpeas etc. Raid the pantry and add a sprinkle of whatever you’ve got!

Method:

Begin by heating up some olive oil in a large stock pot. Gently sauté your aromatics until they sweat a bit and become aromatic. Add all your veggies, stir well with the oil & aromatics and season well with salt and pepper. After a few minutes add the blitzed tomatoes, stock cubes and water and stir well while bringing up to a boil.

Lower to a rolling simmer and cook for a few minutes until the veggies soften. Then add all your grains.

Cook until everything is soft, but still retains a bit of bite and you’re ready to serve, store, and enjoy again and again!

Don’t forget to serve up with some pesto, grated parm and a big slice of crusty bread!

---