Minestrone with asparagus
4 servings
80 minutes
Asparagus minestrone is a classic Italian soup that embodies the spirit of home comfort and warm evenings in cozy trattorias. Its roots trace back to medieval Italy, where peasants made it from seasonal vegetables, creating a rich and deep flavor. In this version, the classic minestrone is enriched with tender green asparagus that adds freshness and a light crunch to the dish. The aroma of bacon, tomatoes, and garlic makes the taste deep and rich, while delicate notes of basil and parmesan complete the composition. This soup is not just a first course but a true gastronomic symphony where each ingredient harmonizes beautifully. It’s perfect for a leisurely family dinner where every spoonful brings warmth and enjoyment of traditional Italian flavors.
1
Cut the two mixtures into small cubes.
2
First mixture. Onion, celery, hot pepper (seedless), basil stems, fennel.
- Onion: 1 head
- Celery: 3 stems
- Red chilli pepper: 1 piece
- Basil leaves: to taste
- Fennel: 1 piece
3
Second mixture. Cut all remaining vegetables (you can replace asparagus with carrots). Set aside.
- Potato: 1 piece
- Red sweet pepper: 1 piece
- Green asparagus: 3 stems
- Green peas: 250 g
- Zucchini: 1 piece
4
Fry diced bacon in a large amount of olive oil directly in the pot. When the bacon starts to float, add the second mixture.
- Bacon: 200 g
- Red sweet pepper: 1 piece
5
Press garlic there as well. And simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Garlic: 3 cloves
6
Peel the tomatoes and remove the seeds (by dipping in boiling water for 5 minutes) and send them to a blender. Blend until pureed. Add to the pot. Simmer for another five minutes. Add tomato juice. Bring to a boil. Add the second mixture. Cook for five minutes. Add canned beans — another five minutes. Pour in boiling water — the last five minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finely chop the basil leaves.
- Tomatoes: 2 pieces
- Tomato juice: 1 l
- White beans: 1 jar
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Basil leaves: to taste
7
When serving, sprinkle with finely chopped basil leaves and grated Parmesan.
- Basil leaves: to taste
- Parmesan cheese: to taste