Minestrone with Macaroni

I think a good home-made minestrone, in spite of its peasant origins, is in the luxury class simply because of its rarity. Serve it with coarse Italian-type bread such as ciabatta and lots of freshly grated Parmesan to sprinkle over and you will have a very filling, satisfying treat. In the autumn finely chopped courgettes – instead of the cabbage – make a nice change.

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  Serves 4-6

Ingredients
3 oz (75 g) shortcut macaroni
1 oz (25 g) butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 oz (50 g) streaky bacon, rinds removed and finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, washed and finely chopped
6 oz (175 g) carrots, washed and finely chopped
2 fresh or tinned tomatoes, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
2½ pints (1.5 litres) Ham Bone Stock (click here for recipe)
1½ tablespoons fresh torn basil
8 oz (225 g) leeks, washed and finely chopped
6 oz (175 g) green cabbage, washed and finely shredded
1 level dessertspoon tomato purée
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
salt and freshly milled black pepper
To serve:
lots of grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano)

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This recipe is taken from Delia Smith’s Complete Cookery Course, Delia Smith’s Complete Illustrated Cookery Course, One is Fun! and The Delia Collection: Soup.

Method

First heat up the butter and oil in a large saucepan, then add the bacon and cook this for a minute or two before adding the onion, followed by the celery and carrots and then the tomatoes. Now stir in the crushed garlic and some salt and pepper, then cover and cook very gently for 20 minutes or so to allow the vegetables to sweat – give it an occasional stir to prevent the vegetables sticking. Then pour in the stock along with the basil.

Bring to the boil and simmer gently (covered) for about 1 hour. After that add the leeks, cabbage and macaroni and cook for a further 30 minutes. Finally stir in the tomato purée, cook for another 10 minutes and, just before serving, stir in the parsley. Serve in warmed soup bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.r26

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Ham Bone Stock

There are times – after Christmas for example, or after a party – when you may well have a ham bone to spare. Don't miss the chance to make this stock which will give you a basis for making soup.