Allotment Soup

Delight in the rustic charm of Thane Prince’s Allotment Soup, a heartwarming dish inspired by French countryside recipes. This soup is a testament to the bounty of fresh ingredients that nature provides. With a rich medley of navy beans, hearty vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this recipe captures the essence of comfort and wholesomeness. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or accompanied by a dollop of pesto, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan, this soup offers a taste of simple indulgence.

Serves: 6
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 1 hr 20 min
Freeze: Up to 3 months (without the green beans)

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 oz (85g) dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium leek, finely sliced
• 1 small turnip, cut into 1/2in (1cm) dice
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2in (1cm) dice
• 1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2in (1cm) dice
• 1 celery rib, cut into 1/2in (1cm) dice
• 1 large potato, cut into 1/2in (1cm) dice
• 2 tomatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2in (1cm) dice
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 quarts (2 liters) cold water
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 oz (175g) green beans, cut into 3/4in (2cm) lengths

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the soaked navy beans in a saucepan with plenty of cold unsalted water. Bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and boil for 15 minutes. Lower the heat and simmer until the beans are tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the leek, turnip, carrots, zucchini, celery, potato, tomatoes, and garlic. Cook while stirring often for about 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are soft but not brown.
3. Pour in the cold water and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then cover with a lid and let it simmer for 45 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the cooked navy beans to the pot along with the green beans. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the green beans are tender.
5. Divide the hearty Allotment Soup among six bowls and serve with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Relish the earthy simplicity of Thane Prince’s Allotment Soup – a nourishing blend of vegetables and beans that embodies the heartwarming essence of countryside cooking. As you savor each spoonful of this rustic delight, remember that it’s a celebration of seasonal abundance and the joy of homemade comfort. Whether enjoyed as a standalone feast or accompanied by the finishing touch of pesto, fresh herbs, or grated Parmesan, this soup brings a taste of warmth to every bowl. So, gather your ingredients, follow the straightforward steps, and immerse yourself in the wholesome goodness of Thane Prince’s creation, a true homage to the joys of cooking with nature’s gifts.