JANUARY 2015 MINESTRONE SOUP

Hi and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen.  It is mid Winter and freezing cold so what could be more comforting than a bowl of soup. This week our recipe is for another Italian classic - Minestrone Soup.   The most delicious Minestrone Soup I tasted was many years ago in a small Italian cafe tucked away behind Covent Garden. Covent Garden was London's fruit and vegetable market, opening around 1670, but today Covent Garden is famous for its restaurants, large central piazza, shops, fashionable boutiques and night life.  Our Minestrone will, of course, be made with Vegetable Stock.

MINESTRONE SOUP
(serves 6 to 8)

INGREDIENTS
225g/8oz Can Red Kidney Beans  (drained)
1 Large Onion (choped)
2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)
4 small carrots (finely chopped)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
Quarter small cabbage (sliced)
1 tablespoon Tomato Puree
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
100g/4 oz) Macaroni
100g/4oz Frozen Peas
3 Pints Vegetable Stock (use Green Oxo or cubes of your choice)
1 teaspoon dried Basil (or Oregano)
Salt and Black Pepper

METHOD

Heat the oil in a very large saucepan. Gently fry the onion, add garlic and celery. Add all the vegetables except the Red Kidney Beans and Peas which will be added later. Add stock  and stir thoroughly.  Stir in tomato puree, add herbs and salt and black pepper. Bring to the boil, stir, then simmer for 20 minutes.
Now add the Macaroni, red kidney beans and cooked peas.  Bring back to boil.
Simmer for about 10 minutes until the Macaroni is tender.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Serve with wholemeal rolls or bread.

Real comfort food!