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8-10
Easy
Published 1991
Every Italian restaurant and home has its own recipe for this versatile and hearty soup. This is my own favourite, but I must confess that I often add or leave things out according to what I find in my fridge. I enjoy the variations and they are all equally successful — Minestrone gives you the chance to try out your own ideas.
In a very large saucepan heat the oil and sauté the onions, carrots, bacon, celery and sage until they just begin to colour. Add the potatoes and leeks and stir to coat with oil. Add the tomatoes, courgettes, french beans and cheese rind (if used), and then the stock. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for at least 2 hours. Then add the chick-peas or haricot beans with their liquid, and the se