Spring Minestrone for Two with a Spanish Twist

Spanish Spring Minestrone Recipe for Two with a Twist

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 2

Introduction

Spring Minestrone for Two with a Spanish Twist

Spring Minestrone is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for the warmer months. This recipe puts a Spanish twist on the classic Italian dish by adding chorizo sausage for a flavorful kick. This recipe serves two people, making it perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

History

Minestrone is a traditional Italian soup that dates back to ancient Rome. It was originally made with whatever vegetables were in season, making it a versatile and adaptable dish. This version of Spring Minestrone with a Spanish twist adds chorizo sausage for a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
0.5 small onion, finely chopped
1 leek, white part sliced
1 carrot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 small potatoes, peeled and diced
1 chorizo sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
150 g shelled broad beans
1 cup chicken stock

Garnish

2 tbsp olive oil
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan, then add the onion, leek, and carrot.
Sauté over low heat until soft.
Add the garlic, potatoes, and chorizo and cook for a few minutes.
Add the broad beans and stock, then simmer for 20 minutes or until the broad beans are soft.
Season to taste with salt and pepper, then transfer half of the soup to a food processor and puree.
Return the puree to the main soup and stir.
The soup should have a thick consistency, but you can add more chicken stock if desired.
Drizzle with extra olive oil and serve topped with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Variations

Swap out the chorizo sausage for another protein option, such as chicken or tofu.
Add in your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach.
Top with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the vegetables until they are soft to ensure a flavorful base for the soup.

- Pureeing half of the soup and then adding it back in gives the soup a thick and creamy consistency.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Spring Minestrone with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the vegetables until soft to build flavor.

- Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of sausage or protein you prefer in place of chorizo.

- Feel free to swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Spring Minestrone in a bowl topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Spring Minestrone with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, for a refreshing and delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and pork (chorizo sausage).

Summary

This Spring Minestrone with a Spanish Twist is a balanced and nutritious meal that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Spring Minestrone with a Spanish Twist is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cozy dinner for two. With a flavorful base of vegetables and chorizo sausage, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Spring Minestrone for Two with a Spanish Twist. It was a warm afternoon in May, and I was visiting my dear friend Isabella in her cozy kitchen. Isabella was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. On this particular day, she had a pot of simmering minestrone on the stove, filling the air with the comforting aroma of vegetables and herbs.

As I watched Isabella work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but ask her about the recipe she was making. She smiled and told me that it was a traditional Italian minestrone, but with a twist inspired by her travels to Spain. Intrigued, I asked her to show me how to make it, and she happily obliged.

Isabella began by sautéing garlic and onions in a generous amount of olive oil, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering scent. She then added diced carrots, celery, and zucchini, letting them cook until they were tender. Next, she poured in a can of crushed tomatoes and a quart of vegetable broth, along with a handful of fresh herbs – basil, oregano, and thyme.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Isabella added a can of cannellini beans and a handful of small pasta shells, letting them cook until they were al dente. Finally, she stirred in a generous amount of chopped spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice, brightening up the flavors of the soup.

I eagerly tasted a spoonful of the minestrone, and my taste buds were delighted by the rich, savory flavors. The combination of vegetables, beans, and pasta was hearty and satisfying, while the hint of lemon added a refreshing brightness to the dish. Isabella had truly created a masterpiece in a bowl.

Over the years, I have made Isabella's Spring Minestrone for Two with a Spanish Twist countless times, always savoring each spoonful and remembering the wonderful afternoon I spent in her kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all been amazed by the delicious flavors and comforting warmth of the soup.

To me, this recipe represents more than just a dish – it is a reminder of the joy of cooking and the power of sharing a meal with loved ones. It is a testament to the creativity and innovation that can come from combining different culinary traditions and flavors. And most of all, it is a tribute to my dear friend Isabella, who taught me so much about the art of cooking and the beauty of bringing people together around a table.

So the next time you find yourself craving a comforting bowl of soup, why not give this Spring Minestrone for Two with a Spanish Twist a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows – maybe you'll create your own fond memories in the kitchen, just like I did with Isabella all those years ago. Happy cooking!