winter minestrone
ft. kale, potatoes, leeks, and a parsley pesto to swirl in
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Hello friends, and happy December to you. It’s been quite chilly here in mornings and evenings, as I expect it is where you are, too. I don’t mind, it means more congregating in the kitchen by the oven, or the living room by the fire, cuddling under blankets, and constantly making tea and soup and hot water bottles to warm everyone. December is lovely with all the special things to eat and do, although it can be a bit harried. I think it’s nice to have a nourishing, rather easy, one pot meal up your sleeve- and what ticks all those boxes better than soup?
I find there's nothing better than a big, cozy, warming pot of minestrone bubbling away on the stove- especially in winter. I make endless variations of it depending on what's in season, and what's in my fridge that needs to be used. Here’s the summer and autumn versions. Feel free to adapt as you wish- I vary the greens, and a small pasta is nice instead of the potatoes (cook it separately and add into individual bowls to avoid it getting soggy, though). The pesto is optional, but honestly it is worth it for the extra layer of flavor, brightness, and texture it brings. You can chop it all finely with a knife and mix by hand if you don't have a food processor.
A bowl of this alongside a winter squash dinner roll or a toasted piece of sourdough, is a very good thing on a cold night, and is full of vegetables, colors, and fiber. Happy cozy season!
