A hearty minestrone soup that could almost be described as a stew. It can be adapted depending on what’s in season. The brisket adds a real depth of flavour.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 leek, halved lengthways, washed and chopped
- 1 celery stick, halved lengthways
- and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 400g piece brisket, diced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 fresh rosemary sprig
- 1 bay leaf
- 600ml vegetable stock
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 100g savoy cabbage or Brussels sprouts, finely shredded
- 400g can cannellini or haricot beans, drained
- 100g small pasta shells
- 8 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan or Grana Padano, to serve
Method
- 1. Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the onion, leek, celery and garlic and cook for a few minutes, until softened. Add the brisket, carrot, potatoes and herbs. Pour over the stock, tomatoes and 750ml water to cover. Bring to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes.
- 2. Stir in the cabbage or sprouts, beans and pasta and simmer for a further 5 minutes. (The pasta will be slightly undercooked at this point but will be perfect after reheating.)
- 3. Leave to cool completely, then freeze (see tip) or cook for 2 minutes more, if serving immediately, until the pasta is cooked. Serve with griddled ciabatta and cheese.
Nutritional info
Per serving: 303kcals, 11.1g fat (4.7g saturated), 22.7g protein, 30g carbs, 5.1g sugar, 0.6g salt
Chef's tip
Freeze it: for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature, then reheat until piping hot on the hob.
Wine Recommendation
This soup will taste all the better for a glass of soft Pinot Noir, with its moreish strawberry and cherry style.