Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chorizo & Spring Veggie Minestrone?
It is a rustic Italian-inspired soup that combines smoky Spanish chorizo with seasonal spring vegetables like broad beans and leeks.
How many calories are in this recipe?
There are approximately 221 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this minestrone?
Each serving contains 10g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
What ingredients are needed for this soup?
You will need olive oil, onion, leek, carrot, garlic, potatoes, chorizo, broad beans, chicken stock, and parmesan cheese.
How should the leeks be prepared?
The white part of the leek should be sliced before being added to the soup.
Do the broad beans need special preparation?
Yes, the broad beans should be shelled before they are added to the mixture.
How long should I sauté the base vegetables?
Sauté the finely chopped onion, sliced leek, and chopped carrot for 5-7 minutes until softened.
When do I add the chorizo to the pan?
Add the chorizo pieces after the base vegetables have softened, along with the garlic and potatoes.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Once the stock and beans are added, let the soup simmer gently for 20 minutes until the beans are tender.
How can I make the soup creamy without adding cream?
Carefully blend half of the cooked soup in a food processor and then return the puree to the remaining mixture.
What should I do if the soup consistency is too thick?
You can stir in more chicken stock until you reach your desired level of creaminess.
What type of cheese is used for serving?
The recipe recommends using grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is a wholesome and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner for two.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil for the initial sautéing of vegetables.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests using two small potatoes, peeled and diced.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 1 cup of chicken stock for the simmer, plus extra if you need to thin the soup.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your chorizo and stock.
Can I substitute the chicken stock?
Yes, you can easily use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock if preferred.
What makes this a seasonal spring recipe?
It features fresh spring produce like broad beans and leeks which are at their best during the season.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 finely chopped garlic cloves.
Does the chorizo need to be spicy?
You can use any Spanish-style chorizo you like, whether sweet or spicy, to suit your palate.
How much Parmesan is recommended for serving?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan for the finished dish.
How should the carrot be chopped?
The carrot should be finely chopped to ensure it softens properly during the sautéing stage.
Can I add other seasonal vegetables?
Yes, the recipe is highly adaptable and can be adjusted to include other seasonal produce you have on hand.
What is the suggested serving size?
The recipe is designed to serve two people as a cozy dinner.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the preparation for the chorizo?
The chorizo should be cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the pan.
What kind of onion should I use?
A 1/2 small onion, finely chopped, is sufficient for this recipe.
How much olive oil is used for drizzling?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for drizzling over the finished soup.