Summer minestrone

There might be a lot of chopping here, but this recipe is child’s play and the result is special enough to warrant the extra effort. The cream adds a certain silky richness but can be left out if you prefer. This is lovely served cool the next day.

SERVES 4

PREPARATION TIME: 15 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 45 MINUTES

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 French shallots, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

1 fennel bulb, finely chopped

200g (7oz) young broad beans, podded weight, skins removed

200g (7oz) young fresh peas

150g (5½oz) green beans, sliced

250g (9oz) asparagus spears, sliced

950ml (33floz) vegetable stock or good-quality bought stock

a handful each of mint and basil leaves

4 tablespoons thick (double) cream

4 tablespoons fresh pesto, to serve

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and soften the garlic, shallots, celery and fennel. It should take about 10 minutes.

Add half the broad beans, peas, green beans and asparagus. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil and simmer for about 25 minutes.

Add the remaining vegetables to the saucepan and cook for 5 minutes more. Remove from the heat and pour in a little extra boiling water if the soup appears too thick for your liking. Add the herbs and cream and season to taste.

Ladle the soup into warmed bowls and drop a spoonful of pesto into each to serve.