Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Recipe: Autumn Minestrone Soup

This is a hearty autumn or early winter version of Minestrone Soup served with a lovely homemade pesto. Containing such a variety of vegetables – it will definitely up your 5-a-day quota

SERVES 4

 

INGREDIENTS

25ml (1fl oz) olive oil
1 leek, sliced
1 carrot, diced
75g (21⁄2oz) spaghetti, broken into small pieces 100g (31⁄2oz) bacon lardons 250ml (81⁄2fl oz) water

1 celery stick, diced
1 fennel top, sliced 100g (31⁄2oz) pumpkin, diced

A few leaves of spring cabbage and chard, shredded
15g (1⁄2oz) butter

2 radishes, thinly sliced for garnish
Salt and pepper

For the pesto:

1 large bunch of parsley 25g (1oz) Parmesan, grated
100ml (31⁄2fl oz) olive oil

 

METHOD

1. In a large non-stick frying pan, cook the bacon lardons in the olive oil for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the leek, carrot and celery and cook gently for another 5 minutes.

2. Add the spaghetti and the remaining vegetables (except the radish), then add the water, simmer for approx 20 minutes, while you make the pesto.

3. To make the pesto, put the olive oil, parsley and Parmesan into a food processor and blitz.

4. To finish the soup; season to your liking, stir in the pesto, and serve in warmed bowls topped with the radish.

 

More from Food and Drink

  • Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate & Almonds

    Brussels sprouts – they’re a festive classic that usually divides people. Yet with a simple addition of pomegranate and flaked almonds, even the most doubting of Christmas dinner diners could be won over by this recipe

  • Recipe: Chocolate, Banana & Pecan Cookies

    These scrumptious fudgy cookies are a decadent treat for the whole family – delicious after a brisk autumn walk with a warming cup of cocoa

  • Recipe: Chicken & Mushroom Pot Pies

    These warming and hearty fillers have succulent chicken, chestnut mushrooms and artichokes in a delicious creamy sauce flavoured with mustard – topped off with puff pastry. Tasty!

  • Kids Zone: Make Your Own Festive Treats!

    Join Sara Whatley in making some yummy festive recipes that the kids (and adults!) will some yummy festive recipes that the kids (and adults!) will love getting stuck into

  • Recipe: Hearty Beef & Pumpkin Stew

    This is the perfect, homely dinner to look forward to as the autumn nights draw in. Adele Trathan explains how to make this delicious casserole that is baked and served straight from the pumpkin

  • Recipe: William Shatner’s Cappuccino Muffins!

    Even in outer space, there’s nothing quite like a cappuccino muffin. Star Trek legend William Shatner goes boldly into the kitchen and delivers the goods...

  • Kids Zone: Apples, Apples and more Apples

    This month Sara Whatley and her family have gone mad for apples

  • Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

    Deliciously light and fluffy, these red velvet cupcakes with a gorgeous soft cheese frosting are ideal for an afternoon tea – they are sure to impress your guests

  • Recipe: Saffron & Lemon Chicken Joojeh Kebabs

    This probably features on the menu of every Persian restaurant in the world, the marinade of yogurt and lemon juice tenderises the meat beautifully. This simplified version can be made at home in a conventional oven or grill if you don’t have a barbecue

  • South Carolina BBQ Chicken Thighs

    Try this winning BBQ chicken recipe from Grillstock founders Jon Finch and Ben Merrington and learn how to make both an authentic South Carolina BBQ sauce, and their secret BBQ rub.

  • Weddings: The Food of Love

    From a vegan feast to sausage, mash and gravy, what will you serve at your wedding? Sara Whatley explores the world of wedding catering

  • Vino, Vidi, Vici: The Vineyards, Breweries & Distilleries of Sussex

    James Forryan investigates the history of producing wine, beer and spirits in Sussex, and how we should all say 'Cheers!' to its great success...

  • Recipe: Raspberry Blancmange

    Based on a retro classic, this blancmange is a far cry from its wobbly 1970s reputation – instead, this is a light and creamy raspberry and almond dessert

  • Recipe: Sizzling Spare Ribs with BBQ Sauce

    The perfect spare ribs for your summer barbeque!

  • Highweald Estate: Wines of Outstanding Natural Beauty

    One of the wonders of Sussex is the capacity to create food and drink of outstanding quality and Highweald Wine is one such example, producing English Sparking Wines of exceptional standard – Robert Veitch went to find out more, and enjoy a glass or two

  • Recipe: Salted Caramel Praline Brownie

    Baker and author of Postal Bakes, Lucy Burton, will have you drooling at these divine brownies.

  • Recipe: Olive Oil, Pistachio & Lemon Cake

    This simple but delicious cake is made in a food processor, so it takes just minutes to prepare. Serve it with a simple lemon and sugar glaze and sprinkle with a few roughly chopped pistachios and dried rose petals

  • Recipe: Pappardelle with Rose Harissa, Black Olives & Capers

    Pasta is perfect for an easy spring supper and ‘Pappare’ means ‘to gobble up’ in Italian, which is the destiny of this dish! If you prefer a little less spice, then simply reduce the quantity of harissa

  • Mary Berry's Mediterranean All-in-One Chicken

    This is a great way to feed the family as the chicken and veg are all cooked in one very large tray in the oven. It takes only minutes to put everything together then it sits in the oven for under an hour with no fussy finishing off to do and only one pan to wash up.

  • Recipe: Simple Fish Curry

    Cooking a curry from scratch can feel a little daunting but this traditional Burmese recipe is really easy. Lightly spiced, warming and stunningly simple, this curry is one you’ll return to again and again