Minestrone Primavera (Italian Spring Vegetable Soup)
Use the camera icon to toggle the step by step photos on and off. Minestrone Primavera, a spring vegetable soup packed full of delicious green veg, cannellini beans and topped with pecorino cheese.
Cut the leek in half and wash it thoroughly. Cut it into thin slices, discarding the hardy top leaves. Cut the zucchini into bite-sized pieces.
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Add the leek and zucchini and saute until the leek is soft (photos 1 and 2).
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the roughly chopped green beans and asparagus and stir to coat in the oils (photos 3 and 4).
Add the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Turn down to a simmer and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Finally, add the frozen peas, cannellini beans and fresh basil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the peas are cooked (photos 5 and 6).
Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper as needed. Serve in bowls topped with pecorino cheese.
Notes
Stock - good quality stock makes a big difference here. You can use veg or chicken.
Storage - will keep well in the fridge for around 2 days.