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Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup Recipe

Mary Berry Pea and Mint Soup
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Mary Berry’s Minestrone Soup is a vegetable-based Italian soup featuring seasonal vegetables, cannellini beans, and small pasta cooked together in a tomato and herb-infused broth. The result is a thick, flavourful soup that can be served as a light main or hearty starter.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil – 2 tbsp

  • Onion – 1 large, finely chopped

  • Garlic – 2 cloves, minced

  • Celery – 2 sticks, diced

  • Carrots – 2 medium, diced

  • Courgette – 1 medium, chopped

  • Tinned chopped tomatoes – 400g can

  • Tomato purée – 1 tbsp

  • Vegetable stock – 1 litre (4 cups)

  • Cannellini beans – 400g can, drained and rinsed

  • Small pasta (e.g., macaroni or ditalini) – 100g

  • Cabbage or spinach – 1 handful, shredded

  • Dried mixed herbs – 1 tsp

  • Fresh basil – 2 tbsp, chopped

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste

  • Parmesan cheese – for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the base

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned.

Step 2: Add the tomatoes and stock

Stir in the tinned tomatoes, tomato purée, and vegetable stock. Add the mixed herbs, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add vegetables and beans

Add the courgette and cannellini beans, then continue to simmer for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add the pasta

Stir in the small pasta, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Add a little extra stock or water if the soup becomes too thick.

Step 5: Finish with greens and herbs

Add the cabbage or spinach and cook for 2 minutes until just wilted. Stir in the fresh basil for a fragrant finish.

Step 6: Serve hot  

Ladle into bowls and top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-pea-and-mint-soup/