Matt Moran's comforting pearl barley minestrone

serves
6
Pearl barley minestrone
Pearl barley minestrone
Pearl barley minestrone
A hearty, Italian soup is always a good idea, no matter the season.

Ingredients (20)

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 leek (white part only), cut into 1.5cm pieces
  • 2 desiree potatoes, peeled, cut into 1.5cm pieces
  • 2 large carrots, cut into 1.5cm pieces
  • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1.5cm pieces
  • 500g borlotti beans (from greengrocers), podded
  • 1 cup (200g) pearl barley
  • 1/3 cup (95g) tomato paste
  • 1 cup (250ml) white wine
  • 2L (8 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1/2 bunch marjoram, leaves picked
  • 1/2 bunch oregano, leaves picked
  • 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked

Basil pesto

  • 1 bunch basil, leaves picked
  • 2 tbs pine nuts, toasted
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 50g parmesan, finely grated

Don't forget you can add these ingredients to your Woolworths shopping list.

Close

Method

  • 1.
    For the basil pesto, blanch basil in a saucepan of boiling salted water for 10 seconds. Refresh in iced water. Drain.
  • 2.
    Place all ingredients in a food processor and whiz until smooth. Season. Set aside.
  • 3.
    Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and leek, and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes or until softened.
  • 4.
    Add potato, carrot, celery and beans, and cook, stirring, for a further 2-3 minutes until vegetables are starting to soften. Add barley and tomato paste, and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are coated.
  • 5.
    Add the wine and cook, scraping bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, for 3 minutes or until reduced by half.
  • 6.
    Add stock and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour 10 minutes or until beans are tender.
  • 7.
    Remove from heat and season.
  • 8.
    When ready to serve, stir through herbs. Divide among bowls and serve with pesto.
Rate now

Reviews

Join the conversation

Latest News

HEasldl