Recipe Information

• Servings: 6
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 pre-cooked smoked ham hock (similar to those used in sauerkraut)
• 1 head of broccoli and a handful of small broccoli florets
• 1 leek, cut into small pieces
• ¼ celeriac, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 2 medium onions, finely sliced
• 1 handful of green peas, fresh or frozen
• 1 bunch of chervil, finely chopped
• Greek pasta (about 200g)
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes dissolved in 2 liters of water
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

1. Prepare the broccoli by reserving small florets. If you have leftover broccoli, use the top part of the stem (peeled) and dice the stalks.
2. Slice the leek into small pieces.
3. Peel and dice the celeriac into small cubes.
4. Chop the celery stalks into small pieces.
5. Peel and finely slice the onions.
6. Cook the Greek pasta in a pot of boiling water until al dente.
7. In another pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat, and sauté the onions until they are translucent but not colored.
8. Add the leek and the diced celeriac, and continue to sauté for a few more minutes.
9. Add the chopped celery, broccoli pieces, and green peas, then pour in the chicken bouillon until it reaches the height of the vegetables.
10. Add the smoked ham hock and additional water, if necessary, to cover the ingredients.
11. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
12. While the vegetables are cooking, finely chop the chervil.
13. When the vegetables are tender, taste and season with salt and pepper.
14. Remove the smoked ham from the pot, detach the meat from the bone, and return it to the soup.
15. Add the chervil and mix well.
16. Serve promptly in bowls, adding a generous tablespoon of cooked pasta, and distribute the meat among the diners.

Notes

You can add any seasonal vegetables you have at hand to enrich this hearty dish. Also, remember that the flavor of the soup improves if allowed to sit for a while before serving.

Recipe Tips

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ham hock with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
• Feel free to substitute Greek pasta with any small pasta of your choice.
• Consider topping with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information

Approximately 350 calories per serving, with a good balance of protein and vegetables!

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute and still provide great taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance; just reheat before serving.

What can I serve with this minestrone?

A crusty piece of bread or a simple salad complements this dish perfectly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check your bouillon cubes for gluten.