Mediterranean Vegetable Soup Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLE SOUP

Steps:

• Rinse the slivered cabbage and chard. Steam for about 15 minutes in the water clinging to the leaves, adding a few tablespoons if necessary to keep the vegetables from scorching. When they are tender but not falling apart, set aside.
• Meanwhile, combine bacon or pancetta, garlic, parsley and onion, and saute gently in the oil in a heavy stockpot or soup kettle large enough to hold all the vegetables and stock until tender but not brown -- about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Add remaining vegetables to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 20 to 30 minutes, just until vegetables are tender. Add cabbage and chard with the beans. Stir and bring to a simmer. Taste and add salt and pepper if you wish. Stir in the rice and continue cooking for 15 minutes, or until rice is done. Remove from heat and serve with a spoonful of grated cheese on top.

CHUNKY MEDITERRANEAN TOMATO SOUP

Steps:

• Heat a large non-stick pan, tip in half the vegetables and the garlic, and cook, stirring, over a high heat until they start to soften - about 5 mins. Tip in the basil, tomatoes, stock cube and 2 cans of water, then blitz with a hand blender to get the mixture as smooth as you can.
• Add the remaining frozen veg, cover the pan and cook for 15-20 mins more until the veg is tender. Ladle into bowls. Serve with the herby ricotta on rye bread.