Livorno Minestrone

The word minestrone actually means ‘big soup’ - in other words, one which contains lots of different ingredients and is power-packed for larger appetites! This particular recipe comes from the bustling port of Livorno, where ferries and cargo boats come and go amongst the everlasting atmosphere of rich medieval history, and where the surrounding fertile countryside yields much of the wide variety of vegetables that are required to make it. Use fresh beans if at all possible.