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Squash and Bean Minestrone

This squash and bean minestrone is a vibrant, high-protein reimagining of the classic Italian soup. By slow-cooking smoked ham hocks with creamy cannellini beans and sweet butternut squash, you create a deep, savoury base that feels both indulgent and nourishing. The addition of fresh leeks, celery, and spinach provides an earthy balance, while the ham adds a wonderful smoky saltiness that permeates every spoonful.

Ideal for meal prep or a comforting weekend lunch, this homemade soup is a complete meal in a bowl. Serving the herb-tossed pasta and rocket salsa verde separately ensures the textures stay perfectly fresh, even if you make the soup up to three days in advance. It is a hearty, wholesome choice for those seeking a protein-rich dish that does not compromise on bright, seasonal flavours.

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Ingredients for Squash and Bean Minestrone

  • 2 smoked ham hocks (about 675g)

  • 450g dried navy or cannellini (white kidney) beans

  • 60ml plus 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling

  • 1 stor lök, finhackad

  • 2 leeks, white and pale-green parts only, finely chopped

  • 2 small celery stalks with leaves (from celery heart), chopped

  • Koshersalt, nymalen peppar

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

  • 1 butternut squash (about 1.1kg), peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces

  • 450g green beans, trimmed, cut into 1" pieces

  • 1925ml low-sodium chicken broth

  • 450g small pasta (such as tiny shells or pipette)

  • 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

  • 2 bunches flat-leaf spinach, thick stems removed

  • Rocket Salsa Verde (for serving)

Remove meat from ham hocks and cut into large pieces; set meat aside. Place navy beans and ham bones in a large pot; add cold water to cover by 2". Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour.

Heat 60ml oil in another large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add ham hock meat, onion, leeks, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 20 minutes.

Add squash, green beans, navy beans and soaking liquid, broth, and bones to pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; reduce heat to low, cover, and gently simmer until navy beans are tender, 1 1/2–2 hours.

When soup is almost finished cooking, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and add 1/4 cup parsley and toss to coat.

Discard ham bones. Add spinach and remaining 3/4 cup parsley to soup.

Divide soup among bowls. Add pasta, top with Rocket Salsa Verde, and drizzle with oil.

DO AHEAD: Soup can be made up to 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

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  • 28 jan 2026 | Ursprungligen publicerad

    Författad av:

    UK receptredaktörer

    Granskad av

    UK receptredaktörer
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