Gardyn Minestrone

Our favorite recipe to help bring a twist to the popular comfort meal

This green version of a classic minestrone is bright with the flavors of fresh greens and herbs including peas, chives, bunching onions, leeks, and baby greens.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 6 leaves Gardyn Bunching Onions, thinly sliced
• ½ Gardyn Jalapeño
• 2 large strips of lemon rind

• 2 large leeks, tough outer layer removed, white and light green parts sliced into ½”-thick rounds
• 1 fennel, halved lengthwise, bulb and stalks thinly sliced, fronds reserved
• 1 15.5-oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed
• Kosher salt
• 3 cups Gardyn greens, such as Tatsoi, or Bok Choy
• 1 ½ cups shelled fresh Gardyn Peas (from about 1 lb. pods) or frozen peas, thawed
• 1 tablespoon white miso
• 2 teaspoons snipped Gardyn Chives
• 2 teaspoons Gardyn Dill
• A spice mill, mortar and pestle or clean coffee grinder

Directions

1. Combine the coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and peppercorns, and coarsely grind in a spice mill or coffee grinder, or with a mortar and pestle. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the garlic and ground spices, constantly stirring, until the garlic is softened (about 2 minutes), being careful not to overcook.

2. Add the bunching onions, jalapeño (if using), and the lemon rind. Cook, stirring now and then, until the bunching onions are softened and charred.

3. Pour 6 cups of cold water into the saucepan and increase the heat to medium-high, bring to a simmer. Add the leeks, fennel bulb and stalks, beans, and peas. Reduce the heat to medium. Add a large pinch of salt and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. 

4. Add Gardyn greens of choice and miso. Cook just until greens are wilted (10-30 seconds). Season with salt and divide soup among bowls. Top with the reserved fennel fronds, chives, and dill.