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Monday, May 2, 2011

Spring Vegetable & Bean Soup



Spring seems to be a little stubborn right now – one day it's a beautiful sunny day that makes you feel like you have almost bypassed Spring and gone straight into Summer, the next day its cold, grey and raining – not my idea of spring! This soup however is a perfect Spring soup that will leave you without any doubt that Spring is here...somewhere! It is healthy, delicious and filled with vibrant green vegetables guaranteed to put a spring in your step!

1 tbsp olive oil
1 leek, finely sliced
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 tin of cannellini beans
1.5 litres of chicken or vegetable stock
1 courgette, finely diced
8 asparagus stalks, finely chopped
150g green beans, finely chopped
100g frozen peas
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Squeeze of lemon juice
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Heat the oil in a large pan then add the leek and sauté for roughly 7 minutes until softened but not coloured. Add the garlic and cook for another minute before adding the beans. Using a potato masher (or you could just use a fork) roughly crush about half of the beans, then add the stock. Bring to a boil then add all of the vegetables, a little salt and some ground black pepper. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a little bite. Squeeze in some lemon juice then taste to check the seasoning. Drizzle over a little good quality extra virgin olive oil and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Serve straight away while piping hot so the vegetables are tender but have a little bite and are vibrant green.

*For a variation you could add some broken up spaghetti (or other pasta of your choice) and serve topped with a small spoonful of pesto for a Spring Minestrone.

7 comments:

  1. How gorgeous is that soup! It looks perfect for this season; fresh, vibrant and warming. I love the asparagus and peas in it especially.

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  2. I love the bright color of this soup, perfect for the warmer spring weather:)

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  3. Love the colour of that soup!! Looks wonderful, Very sping like indeed!

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  4. Thank you all so much. It really is perfect for Spring - so fresh but still filling - the ideal soup! : )

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  5. I love it! Wonderful and light, and also refreshing! Thanks for sharing!!!

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  6. looks like a perfect soup for this time of year!

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